The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale is a Catholic church in Rome’s Trionfale quarter, designed by architect Tullio Rossi and engineer Franco Formari and completed in 1940–41. Erected as a parish church on 13 August 1941 by decree of Cardinal Vicar Francesco Marchetti Selvaggiani, it inherited the title of the earlier Santa Maria delle Grazie at Porta Angelica, which was demolished in 1939 during the restructuring of Via di Porta Angelica.
The church’s facade displays a Neo-Renaissance style, marked by a central portal crowned with the coat of arms of Pius XII and two side entrances. The interior comprises three naves. Fourteen frescoes by Giuseppe Ciotti depicting the mysteries of the rosary decorate the spaces above the supporting pillars. The counter-facade features a canvas by Umberto Colonna representing the apparition of the Virgin to Pius V, commemorating the Christian victory at Lepanto. At the center of the ceiling sits a gilded coat of arms of Pius XII. Many interior furnishings, including the high altar, were transferred from the demolished church at Porta Angelica.
About the Architects
Tullio Rossi and Franco Formari collaborated on this commission during Rome’s architectural expansion in the interwar period, a time of significant urban development in the city.
Details
- Architects: Tullio Rossi and Franco Formari
- Year completed: 1941
- Location: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, Trionfale quarter, Rome
- Architectural style: Neo-Renaissance
- Function: Parish church and Catholic place of worship
- Notable artists: Giuseppe Ciotti (frescoes), Umberto Colonna (canvas)
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the church?
The church was designed by architect Tullio Rossi and engineer Franco Formari, with construction completed in 1940–41.
Where is the church located?
The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale stands in Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie in the Trionfale quarter of Rome.
What happened to the original Santa Maria delle Grazie?
The earlier church at Porta Angelica was demolished in 1939 during the restructuring of Via di Porta Angelica. Its title and many furnishings, including the high altar, were transferred to this new building.
