Was this modest church, the Chiesa di Sant’Angela Merici, ever visited by a pope? The answer, surprisingly, is yes! Pope John Paul II graced this very building with his presence on 27th May 2001. The Chiesa di Sant’Angela Merici, completed in 1967, is a relatively modern structure compared to many of Rome’s ancient landmarks. This church, with its distinctive octagonal shape and red brick exterior, stands as a testament to a more recent chapter in the city’s rich tapestry of faith. Designed by architects Aldo Aloysi and Ernesto Vichi, the church’s interior might surprise you with its simplicity. The architects chose to leave the concrete walls and roof largely bare, creating a stark yet serene ambiance. The church also boasts a unique feature: stained glass windows by the artist János Hajnal. Make sure to look for the five-panel window over the high altar, depicting St. Ursula, and another at the entrance showcasing the Resurrected Christ. This modern sanctuary, bathed in light streaming through the clear glass lantern crowning its roof, offers a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the bustling energy of Rome.
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli
Is this heaven? Because standing before the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli, one might feel a touch of the