The Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church is located at the southern foot of the Campidoglio, one of the famous seven hills of Rome. The church houses works of art by Pomarancio, .
A brief history of the church of Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano in Rome
The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano is located at the foot of the Rupe Tarpea, the steep rock wall on the south side of the Capitol Hill, from which condemned traitors were thrown down in Roman times.
In 1385, the condemned nobleman Giordanello degli Alberini had an effigy of the Virgin Mary affixed here to offer consolation to his fellow sufferers. It is to this that the church owes its name (Consolazione means “Consolation”).
The church was built in 1470 and completely reconstructed between 1583 and 1600, under the direction of Martino Longhi il Vecchio.
What to see Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church
Facade
The facade, preceded by a wide staircase, consists of two levels. The lower part, divided into five bays by Corinthian pilasters, has three doors and was designed by Longhi. The upper part, although in a different style, was designed by Pasquale Belli in 1827 and consists of three bays. The outer bays of the lower half are topped by two large statues of saints on either side. The steps leading up to the entrance were lengthened in 1943, when the buildings at the foor of the Capitol Hill were demolished.
Interior
The interior of the church consists of three naves separated by pillars, three apses and five chapels on either side.
Chapels on the right
The first chapel on the right is the Cappella Mattei. In 1556, Taddeo Zuccari painted the fresco cycle depicting three episodes from the Via Crucis. It was his first commission in Rome. The central “Crucifixion” is flanked by depictions of prophets. Other episodes include “Christ before Pilate” (top), “Ecce Homo” (right wall), “Christ led before Anna” (top left), “Oration in the Garden”, “Last Supper”, “Washing of the Feet” and “The Capture of Christ'” (vault). The “Evangelists” are depicted in the pendentives.
The Pelucchi Chapel (2nd right) contains the memorials of its founders, Andrea Pelucchi (right wall) and his wife Lucrezia Pierleoni. The “Madonna and Child with Saints” altarpiece, dating from 1575, was the work of Livio Agresti. The “Calling of Saint Peter” (left wall) and the “Martyrdom of Saint Andrew” (right wall) are by unknown painters.
The Cappella della Natività (3rd right), commissioned by the Shepherd’s Guild, was designed in 1583, by Antonio Ferreri. Giovanni Baglione painted the altarpiece “Adoration of the Three Wise Men” and the wall frescoes “Adoration of the Shepherds” (left) and “Presentation of Christ” (right). The chapel is protected by a beautiful cast iron gate.
The 4th chapel on the right is the entry to the sacristy and used to be the hospital entrance. The sacristy itself contains a “Christ in the Sepucher” (1470, attributed to Antoniazzo Romano) and a “Madonna della Consolazione” (1465) in a medallion. The bass-relief “Crucifixion” gracing the tabernacle above the altar is the work of Luigi Capponi and dates from around 1490.
Near the main altar is a 13th century Marian icon.
The presbytery and apse are the work of Martino Longhi il Vecchio. The altar piece is a medieval fresco “Santa Maria della Consolazione”, which was later restored by Antoniazzo Romano. The “Nativity” and “Assumption of Mary” on the sides were painted by Pomarancio.
Useful Information
The address of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano is Piazza della Consolazione, 94 (tel. +39 066784654). Bus: 30, 44, 44F, 51, 81, 83, 85, 87, 130F, 160, 160F, 170, 186, 628, 715, 716, 780, 781, 810, H. Opening hours: Every day from 06.30 to 18.30. Sunday from 10:00 to 18:30. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church, Rome
Sources
- Touring Club Italiano – Roma.
- Official website Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano.
- Photos are my own, unless otherwise indicated (© RenatoProsciutto).
- Last visit: March 15, 2025.
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