The Santi Luca e Martina Church is located next to the Roman Forum in Rome. From the panoramic point on the Capitol Hill there is a beautiful view over the dome of this church. The interior was used in 2016 for the TV series “The Young Pope” as the interior of the St. Peter’s Basilica. The official name of the church is Santi Luca e Martina al Foro Romano.
A brief history of the Church of Santi Luca e Martina al Foro Romano in Rome
The Santi Luca and Martina Church was built in the 6th century by order of Pope Honorius I on the edge of the Roman Forum. In turn, this church had occupied a spot formerly taken up by an office annexe of the Roman Senate. Initially, the church was only dedicated to Santa Martina, who died a martyr’s death in Rome in the year 228.
Pope Sixtus donated the church in 1588 to the Accademia di San Luca (where drawing and painting were taught).
It was rebuilt by, first, Ottaviano Mascherino and then (in 1635) Pietro Da Cortona. This last renovation was completed in 1669, the year in which Da Cortona died.
During the renovation, the mortal remains of Saint Martina were found by accident.
The facade of Santi Luca and Martina Church is convex. It consists of two levels. At the very top is the coat of arms of Urban VIII, with statues depicting angels on both sides. The dome seems to be slightly behind the façade. It is thought that he had meant to make the church wider by adding a bay on each side, but this plan was never carried out.
Since it is forbidden to film or make TV series within the walls of the Vatican, Paolo Sorrentino used the interior of the Santi Luca e Martina Church in 2016 for his TV series “The Young Pope”.
What to see
The interior is characterized by a Greek cross with four apses. Many of its decorations were paid for by Cortona, who bequeathed his entire fortune to the church after his death.
On the floor of the central nave you can see a memorial plaque under which Pietro Da Cortona himself is buried.
A plaque on the wall of the right chapel refers to a restoration commissioned by Pope Alexander IV in 1256.
At the main altar is a “San Luca Painting the Madonna”. This is a copy by Antiveduta Gramatica of an original painting by Raphael that can be seen in the Accademia di San Luca.
The altarpiece in the transept (“Assumption of the Virgin”) was painted in the 18th century by Sebastiano Conca.
The pendentives of the enormous dome are adorned with the symbols of the four Evangelists and were made by Camillo Rusconi.
The crypt, which was transformed from the original 6th century church by Pietro da Cortona, contains two reliefs by the hand of Alessandro Algardi (“Dead Christ” and “Saints”. From the crypt, a hallway leads to the Chapel of Santa Martina, which contains an altar made by Cortona.
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
The address of the Chiesa dei Santi Luca e Martina al Foro Romano is Via della Curia, 2 – Rome (tel. +39 06 6798848 (Accademia Nazionale di San Luca) ). Bus: 51, 85, 87, 117, 186, 810, FRP. Opening Hours: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entrance fee: Free.
Santi Luca e Martina Church – Via della Curia 2, Rome
Bibliography
Lucentini, Mauro, The Rome Guide, Step by Step through History’s Greatest City.
Photos
© Renato Prosciutto (unless otherwise indicated).
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