Saturday, April 24, 2021

Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli

where: Largo Magnanapoli
open: weekdays 7:30–12:00 & 15:00–17:30
getting there: bus 40 stop at Nazionale/Quirinale

The church of Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli is the main church of the Military Ordinariate in Italy.
It was built in the 17th century as a convent church for the Dominican Nuns with funds from Cardinal Scipione Borghese and dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena. 
In 1872 the convent was given to the army and the nuns expelled from the convent.

In the loggia of the church are two giant stucco statues representing saints Dominic and Catherine by Domenico de Rossi.
The interior of the church is Baroque and decorated in stucco, gilding and rich marbles.
The ceiling fresco depicts the Apotheosis of St Catherine, painted in 1713 by Baroque artist Luigi Garzi, who was influenced by Guido Reni.
The dome fresco in the Sanctuary was painted by Francesco Rosa and shows the Glory of the Eternal Father.
The large marble sculptural group at the High Altar dates to 1667. It was sculptured by Melchiorre Caffà and shows the Holy Spirit and the Ecstasy of Saint Catherine. The piece was inspired by Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa in Santa Maria della Vittoria.
The frescoes in the corridor leading to the sacristy are by Antoniazzo Romano. 

Luigi Garzi

Melchiorre Caffà



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Corso Vittorio Emanuele II


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These are a few of my favourite books about Rome

The Cardinal's Hat by Mary Hollingsworth
This book tells the story of one of the sons of Lucrezia Borgia who became a cardinal during the 16th century.

The Tigress of Forli by Elizabeth Lev
I love this book telling the story of Caterina Sforza who was fighting against the Borgia pope to retain the rights of her land and her freedom.

The Popes by John Julius Norwich
A detailed but easy and enjoyable book to read about the history of the papacy and the popes.

The Pope's Daughter by Caroline P Murphy
This book describes in beautiful detail, the life and times of Pope Julius II daughter, Felice della Rovere.

The Families Who Made Rome by Anthony Majanlahti
I love this Book! It explains the families who made Rome what it is as we see it today and also looks at their triumphs, scandals and failures.

Rome by Robert Hughes
This book explains Rome from its beginning and expands on the Renaissance and Baroque until present times.

The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr
Another of my favourite reads about a lost Caravaggio painting and the search for its provenance.





other sites I trust for information on Rome are:
Rome Art Lover
Churches of Rome wiki