Saturday, April 3, 2021

Sant'Agata dei Goti


where: Via Mazzarino, 16/Via Panisperna, 29
getting there: number 64 bus to Via Nazionale
open: 7:00–19:00
information: a sign on the building advises that there is also a side entry at Via Panisperna if the main entrance of the church is closed.

Tucked in-between buildings on Via Mazzarino is the Baroque church of Sant'Agata dei Goti. 
The church was named for Saint Agatha, a third century virgin martyr who was tortured and killed for refusing to recant her faith. 
The facade of the church was built in 1729 and above the doorway is a gruesome relief of Saint Agatha, sided with two cherubs, displaying her severed breast on a plate.

The original 5th century interior of the church was redecorated in the Baroque style in the 17th century. (Some of the decorations were commissioned by two Barberini cardinals and a marble frieze in the courtyard shows the bees on a crest of the Barbarini family.)
Above the arches in the central nave walls are a cycle of frescoes depicting the martyrdom of Saint Agatha. These have been recently restored and are attributed to Paolo Perugino. 
The large apse fresco in the main altar depicts the Glory of Saint Agatha and is again is attributed to Paolo Perugino (or Gian Domenico Cerrini).

The main entrance of the church is on Via Mazzarino through a courtyard and if this entrance is closed there is also an entrance around the corner on Via Panisperna.

Barberini Bees


courtyard


apse fresco attributed to Perugino


Paolo Perugino






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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