Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome

Santa Maria del Popolo may be one of the most unique churches in Rome. With its unusual beginnings and its expansive artwork you can not compare it to any other. Santa Maria del Popolo – Saint Mary of the People – was erected in 1099 on the site that was believed to be haunted by the ghost of Emperor Nero. The people of Rome were so afraid of this spot, a large tree covered in crows, that the pope had the tree cut down and this beautiful church erected in its place. The church was enlarged in the 1200’s and later totally revamped in the 1400’s giving it its now Baroque styling.

The church is a haven for art lovers as it sports paintings by such famous artists as Rapahel, Piombo and Lorenzetto. Santa Maria del Popolo also has the oldest stained glass windows in Rome. Created by a French artist in 1509 this is a treasure that can not be seen anywhere else. You can not possibly take in all the beauty in one outing to the church. The church has many tombs of famous patrons in it as well as it is the burial place for many cardinals dating back hundreds of years. The church is currently in use and is run by the Augustinian order. Santa Maria del Popolo is located in one of the most famous squares of Rome and has now become a large tourist attraction as well as pilgrimage site.