New Church Square

Piazza della Chiesa Nuova, located along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, is one of the most fascinating squares in Rome, rich in history and architectural elements of great importance. The square takes its name from the Chiesa Nuova, officially known as Santa Maria in Vallicella, one of the main churches of the Order of the Oratorians, founded by San Filippo Neri in the 16th century. The Chiesa Nuova, built starting from 1575, is a splendid example of Baroque architecture. The original project was by Matteo di Città di Castello, but the building underwent various modifications and expansions over the decades. The facade, completed in 1606, is the work of Fausto Rughesi and features an imposing two-order structure with Corinthian columns and pilasters, topped by a triangular pediment. Inside the church, you can admire some of the most beautiful masterpieces of Roman Baroque art. Among these stand out the frescoes by Pietro da Cortona, decorating the nave and the dome. The “Triumph of the Trinity” in the dome and the “Assumption of Mary” in the apse are works that capture attention for their magnificence and dynamism. The stuccoes adorning the walls of the nave were added by Tommaso Mattei between 1697 and 1701, contributing to create a richly decorated environment. Another element of great artistic importance inside the Chiesa Nuova are the three paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. These works, created between 1608 and 1609, adorn the main altar and the sides of the presbytery. The main painting, “Madonna and Angels,” is particularly venerated and behind a small opening it houses an ancient icon of Santa Maria in Vallicella, dating back to the 13th century. The other two paintings depict “The Saints Domitilla, Nereus, and Achilleus” and “The Saints Gregory, Mauro, and Papianus.” One of the most interesting anecdotes concerns the Chapel of San Filippo Neri, located in the left transept. San Filippo Neri, known as the “Apostle of Rome,” died in 1595 and was canonized in 1622. The chapel dedicated to him is sumptuously decorated and houses his body under the altar. The altar is adorned with a mosaic reproducing a famous painting by Guido Reni, “San Filippo Neri in ecstasy.” The square is further embellished by the presence of the Fontana della Terrina, a Renaissance fountain originally located in Campo de’ Fiori and transferred here in 1924. The fountain, named after its shape resembling a soup tureen, is an example of how Rome has been able to reuse and enhance its historical monuments. In front of the Chiesa Nuova, there is the statue of Pietro Metastasio, a famous playwright and poet of the 18th century. His presence in the square is a tribute to his importance in Italian culture and his connection with Rome. Piazza della Chiesa Nuova is also surrounded by other important buildings, including the Oratory of the Oratorians, designed by the great Baroque architect Francesco Borromini. This complex, completed in 1640, includes a music hall, a library, and various community spaces for the Order of the Oratorians. The facade of the oratory, with its sinuous lines and elegant decorations, is considered one of Borromini’s masterpieces. The Vallicelliana Library, located inside the Oratory, is another hidden treasure of the square. Founded in 1565, the library contains a rich collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and rare books, many of which come from the personal collection of San Filippo Neri. The reading room, with its wooden ceiling and large windows overlooking the square, offers a quiet and evocative study environment.