Santa Maria in Montesanto - Roma, Italy - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

Santa Maria in Montesanto, erected over a church with the same name that lay at the beginning of Via del Babuino, was occupied by Carmelite monks. The name Montesanto (Holy Mountain) referred to Mount Carmel in Israel. The construction of the present church was begun on July 15, 1662, under the patronage of Cardinal Girolamo Gastaldi, and finished in 1675, with other additions by 1679. Originally designed by Carlo Rainaldi, the plans were revised by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and ultimately completed by Carlo Fontana. A belfry was added in the 18th century. The statues of saints on the exterior have been attributed to Bernini's design. The interior has an elliptical plan, with a dodecagonal cupola. The altarpiece of the Madonna and Child is a work of Plautilla Bricci circa 1640. In 1825, the church was made a minor basilica.

On August 10, 1904, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII, was ordained to the priesthood by Patriarch Giuseppe Ceppetelli in this church. In 1953, Monsignor Ennio Francia established the tradition of the Mass of the Artists. On the last Sunday of October till June 29, a mass is held every Sunday with a reading by an artist, and animated by music. At the end of the mass, a prayer for the artists is read. For these reasons the Montesanto church is also called the Church of the Artists.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 20:00; Saturday 10:00 to 12:00; Sunday 11:00 to 13:30.

Source: Wikipedia (visit link)

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1675 Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 12:15 PM Street address of Church: Via del Babuino 197, Roma, Italy 00186 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

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