The imposing facade of the Chiesa di Santa Maria Rossa stands before you. Its story begins long before its current form. Archaeological evidence hints at a structure existing here since the Roman era. Through centuries reconstructions added layers to its history.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Rossa wasn’t always called that. Early records refer to it as Santa Maria ad Fonticulum or Santa Maria di Fonteggio. This reflects its location near a spring or fountain. In the 10th century it was a basilica. A Benedictine nunnery joined the church in the 12th century.
The 14th century brought major changes. The church underwent extensive reconstruction. Today little remains of those ancient decorations. Now Franciscan friars inhabit the church. Its current structure however is quite modern. It dates from the early 1930s.
The architect Franco Della Porta started the construction. Giovanni Muzio completed it in 1932. The facade came later in 1960. A plaque marks the church’s consecration on December 21 1932. Cardinal Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster the Archbishop of Milan officiated.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Rossa is more than just bricks and mortar. It holds a unique artistic treasure. Inside resides Dan Flavin’s last artwork. Titled Untitled it features fluorescent lights. Green and blue illuminate the nave. Red lights grace the transept. Yellow lights bathe the apse. It was installed posthumously in 1997.
Notice the Latin cross shape of the church. The barrel vault covers the central nave. The octagonal baptistery houses a sculpture of San Giovannino. It’s by Giacomo Manzù. Chiesa di Santa Maria Rossa is a place of faith. It is also a testament to architectural and artistic innovation. It seamlessly blends its ancient past with its modern spirit. Let’s move on now to our next destination.