The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene (Santa Maria Maddalena in Campo Marzio, or simply La Maddalena) is located just north of the Pantheon in the historical center of Rome. It is one of very few rococo churches in Rome.
Santa Maria Maddalena Church Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: Piazza della Maddalena, 53 – Rome (Rione Sant’ Eustachio). Tel: +39 06 899281. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.30 and from 17.00 to 18.30. Saturdays from 09.00 to 11.30. Sundays and holidays from 08.30 to 11.30 and from 17.00 to 18.30. During mass tourists are not allowed to enter the church.
History and description
Construction of the church was started in the 16th century but not finished until 1735. There used to be a chapel owned by the “Archconfraternity of the Banner” (Arciconfraternita del Gonfalone) in the same spot.
In 1586 the church, including the surrounding area, was given to Camillo de Lellis, who turned it into the seat of the Camillian Order, which was also called Clerics Regular, Ministers to the Sick.
In 1628 Pope Urban VIII authorized the construction of a new square in front of the church, for which several houses had to be demolished and in 1695 the same happened to buildings right next to the church, in order to create space for the chapels of the church itself.
Santa Maria Maddalena in Campo Marzio was finally consecrated in 1727.
In the course of the years several architects worked on the building. Carlo Fontana was responsible for the dome and the vault, while Giuseppe Sardi completed the facade in 1735. Giovanni Antonio de Rossi also contributed.
The rococo style of the church was rarely used for religious buildings and earned it the derogatory nickname “Sugar Church” (Chiesa di Zucchero).
