Church of Santa Maria Regina Pacis
A twentieth-century church dedicated to Mary as Queen of Peace, designed by Giulio Magni and consecrated in 1928 to honour a prayer for an end to European conflict.
At a glance
This Roman Catholic parish church combines early modernist design with classical proportions. Built over a decade despite financial constraints, it stands as a significant example of interwar religious architecture in the Lazio region, featuring a single nave with side chapels and a polygonal apse.
History
The church was commissioned by Cardinal Vincenzo Vannutelli, Bishop of Ostia, with the intention of invoking Mary’s intercession for peace during European conflict. Although the project was conceived in 1916, the first stone was not laid until 21 June 1919.
Construction proceeded slowly due to insufficient funds. Initial financing from the Augustinian fathers of the Basilica of Sant’Aurea was superseded by support from the Pallottine Fathers of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. The church was erected as a parish in July 1926 and solemnly consecrated on 20 December 1928.
What you see
The interior follows a Latin cross plan with a single nave measuring 56 metres in length and 21 metres in width. A barrel vault with lunettes spans the central nave, supported by eight smooth Corinthian columns—four on each side—positioned between the arches that define the side chapels.
Three large tripartite lunette windows illuminate each side of the nave. The design draws inspiration from the transverse arm of Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Santi. Notable interior chapels include the Chapel of the Pietà, with a painted wooden statue, and the Chapel of the Madonna of Pompeii, distinguished by an elaborate neo-baroque altar.
Cultural significance
Santa Maria Regina Pacis represents an important moment in twentieth-century Italian religious art and architecture. Its construction history reflects both the material challenges of the interwar period and the enduring role of the Church in Italian public life during a turbulent era.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza Regina Pacis, 13, 00122, Lido di Ostia
- Architect: Giulio Magni
- Consecrated: 20 December 1928
- Coordinates: 41.7315310561518, 12.281255722045898
- Phone: 06 562 3244
- Website: http://www.reginapacisostia.it/
Practical information
The church remains an active parish and is open to visitors. Check the official website or contact the parish directly for current opening hours and Mass times.
Getting there
The church is located in Lido di Ostia, on the Tyrrhenian coast southwest of Rome. The nearest railway station is Lido Centro on the Rome–Lido railway line. From there, follow local directions to Piazza Regina Pacis.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto