Church of San Gioacchino ai Prati di Castello

The Church of San Gioacchino in Prati, located in the Prati district of Rome, is one of the most imposing and least known churches in the city. Built in the 19th century, the church is dedicated to San Gioacchino, the father of the Virgin Mary. The facade of the church, designed by Raffaele Ingami, is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture, with its tall spires and intricate stone decorations. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a wide and bright central nave, flanked by richly decorated side chapels. Of particular interest is the main altar, decorated with a painting of San Gioacchino, by Cesare Mariani. This painting is considered one of the masterpieces of 19th-century sacred art and an extraordinary example of the artistic mastery of the time. An interesting anecdote concerns the construction of the church, which was funded through donations from the faithful and members of the parish community.