Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is one of the most fascinating and historically relevant places of worship in Rome. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, this basilica is unique because it was built inside the imposing ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. The basilica was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century commissioned by Pope Pius IV and represents a perfect combination of ancient Roman architecture and Renaissance art. The facade of the basilica, made of red bricks, retains the austere appearance of the baths, while the interior is surprisingly bright and spacious. The central nave, wide and solemn, is flanked by richly decorated side chapels. The ceiling of the central nave is frescoed with scenes from the lives of saints, the work of Renaissance and Baroque artists. Of particular interest is the sundial, created in 1702 by the astronomer Francesco Bianchini. This sundial, located in the floor of the central nave, is one of the largest in the world and represents a masterpiece of engineering and science. The ray of sunlight that enters through a small hole in the wall, projecting the solar hour on the sundial line, allows for the precise calculation of the time of day and the dates of the solstice and equinox. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of a series of 17th-century frescoes during restoration work carried out in the 20th century. These frescoes, which had been covered by a layer of plaster, depict scenes from the lives of Christian martyrs and are a visual testimony to the devotion and faith of the time. The interior of the basilica is enriched with numerous works of art, including a statue of Saint Bruno by Jean-Antoine Houdon, one of the greatest sculptors of the 18th century. This statue, located in one of the side chapels, is considered a masterpiece of neoclassical sculpture.