Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Click on any photo to see a larger version

---

Exterior
Nave

Sanctuary and Choir
Basilica
<Chapels in the Right Aisle and Transept>
<Chapels in the Left Aisle and Transept>
<Tombs & Monuments>

Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a 13th century minor basilica, a titular and former conventual church on the Piazza della Minerva in the rione Rione IX, Pigna. The dedication is to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the only mediaeval Gothic church within the ancient walls of Rome.

For reference, a plan of the church is available here.

History

The first church was built at the end of the 3rd or in the first half of the 4th century. It was built on the ruins of a Roman temple, probably dedicated to Minerva Chalcidia.

The present church dates to c. 1280, and became an important church for the Dominicans. The architects were probably Fra Sisto and Fra Ristoro of Arezzo, and the work was ordered by Pope Nicholas III.

In the 17th century, Carlo Maderno renovated the church.

It has been renovated several times, with the last major work done in the 19th century by Fra Girolamo Bianchedi.