Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is a place that encapsulates centuries of history and art, located in the heart of the characteristic Trastevere neighborhood in Rome. This square is famous mainly for the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest Marian places of worship in the city, with a history dating back to the 3rd century AD. According to tradition, the site was chosen because on the day of Christ’s birth, a miraculous spring of oil gushed forth here, heralding the advent of the Messiah. The current basilica owes its main structure to Pope Innocent II, who in the 12th century ordered a significant reconstruction of the original building. The facade of the basilica is decorated with splendid mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child and scenes from her life, as well as a series of saints and popes linked to the history of the church. These mosaics are considered masterpieces of Roman medieval art and show the stylistic influence of Byzantine and Islamic art.Inside the basilica, you can admire another Cavallini mosaic in the apse, representing the “Coronation of the Virgin” and including figures of angels and saints. The basilica is also famous for its granite columns, coming from ancient Roman buildings, which outline the aisles. The ceiling is adorned with golden stuccoes and paintings by artists such as Domenichino and Pietro da Cortona, adding a touch of Baroque magnificence.A distinctive feature of the square is the Fountain of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest monumental fountains in Rome. Originally built in the 1st century BC, the fountain has been restored and modified over the centuries by various architects, including Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Carlo Fontana. The current fountain features a polygonal basin with four large shells collecting water from the jets, decorated with dolphins and masks.The square is also surrounded by historical buildings, including the Palazzo San Callisto, an elegant Baroque palace from the 17th century, owned by the Holy See. The palace, originally built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, has housed various ecclesiastical institutions and now hosts various offices of the Roman Curia. This building is characterized by a Baroque facade with a large portal and balcony, adding to the historical charm of the square.The history of the square is rich in interesting anecdotes. One of these concerns St. Francis of Assisi, who in 1212 preached right in this square, inspiring many conversions and vocations. Another significant historical event occurred in the 14th century, when Cola di Rienzo, a popular leader who tried to restore the Roman Republic, was killed by an enraged crowd right in this square.