The name “Santa Maria delle Grazie alle Fornaci” might sound like a mouthful. But it holds a fascinating story. You see, “Fornaci” means “kilns” in Italian. This church, Santa Maria delle Grazie alle Fornaci, earned its peculiar name. It dates back to the 14th century. It was a humble parish church serving a community that played a vital role in a grand project – the construction of the new St. Peter’s Basilica. This area bustled with activity. Kilns fired up day and night, churning out the bricks needed for the basilica’s construction. So, the church became known as Santa Maria delle Grazie “at the kilns”. The current church building is not the original one though. That structure was replaced with a new one by Francesco Multò at the end of the 17th century. In 1720, Filippo Raguzzini, a prominent architect of the Roman Baroque, added the elegant facade we see today. You’ll notice the church has a rather unique look. The campanile, the bell tower, wasn’t added until the 1950s! This blend of architectural styles reflects the fascinating evolution of Santa Maria delle Grazie alle Fornaci through the centuries.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to