Chiesa dei Santi Maria e Gallicano

Was this Chiesa dei Santi Maria e Gallicano always a place of solace? The Chiesa dei Santi Maria e Gallicano stands before you as a testament to compassion. It was built alongside a hospital specializing in the treatment of skin diseases. It was Pope Benedict XIII, known for his charitable works, who commissioned the construction between 1726 and 1729. He entrusted the project to Filippo Raguzzini, a renowned architect who masterfully blended architectural grandeur with a sense of humble service. Look around. The inscription above the portal reminds us of the hospital’s noble purpose. A plaque on the exterior quietly commemorates the 1925 restoration, whispering tales of time’s passage and the enduring need for care. Inside, the church embraces a Greek cross design, its four apses reaching out like welcoming arms. While Catholic liturgy no longer graces its halls, the spirit of healing lingers. Admire the artistry of Marco Benefial, whose paintings, including the altarpiece depicting the “Madonna and Child with Saint Gallicano and Three Patients,” continue to inspire hope and solace. Though silent now, the Chiesa dei Santi Maria e Gallicano whispers a timeless story of compassion and the enduring pursuit of well-being.