Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano


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This is a dome with a church tucked underneath. The exterior walls are all in white. The first storey has pairs of Composite pilasters occupying its corners, and supporting an entablature. Two pairs of semi-round Composite columns flank the entrance, and above the entablature corresponding to these is a blank segmental pediment with its central section recessed. The rest of the entablature is crowned by a balustrade which supports free-standing statues of saints. The drum of the dome has eight pairs of double Corinthian pilasters, and in between these are eight large round-headed (not arched) windows with curved raised lintels above looking rather like eyebrows. The dome itself, in lead and with eight large ribs corresponding with the paired pilasters, has eight round windows in Baroque frames with volutes. The intricately designed lantern has eight little swagged Ionic columns with tall arched windows in between and eight flaming torch finials above.