Santissimi Nomi di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata

The year is 1681. Imagine the clatter of a sculptor’s chisel against marble, echoing through the hallowed halls of Santissimi Nomi di Gesu e Maria in Via Lata. Here, amidst the opulence of the newly adorned church, Francesco Cavallini meticulously carves a grand tomb. It is a monument to Mario and Giorgio Bolognetti, forever etching their names in the annals of this sacred space. Santissimi Nomi di Gesu e Maria in Via Lata, though simple in its exterior, cradles a symphony of Baroque grandeur within. This former Augustinian sanctuary, begun in 1633, is a testament to the artistic spirit of 17th-century Rome. The church we see today is largely thanks to Cardinal Giorgio Bolognetti, who transformed it into a familial mausoleum. It is here that he interred his brothers, Ercole and Luigi, their resting places marked by masterpieces sculpted by Michel Maille. In the quiet corner near the entrance, you’ll find another tale etched in stone. Two monuments, crafted by Domenico Guidi and Ercole Ferrata, commemorate members of the Corno family. These intricate sculptures, including a haunting depiction of a skeleton contemplating an hourglass, serve as stark reminders of life’s fleeting nature. As you gaze upon Giacinto Brandi’s breathtaking “Apotheosis of the Virgin Mary” that graces the nave’s vault, know that you are standing in a place where art and faith intertwine. The Santissimi Nomi di Gesu e Maria in Via Lata is more than just a church. It’s a silent storyteller, whispering tales of artistic patronage, familial devotion, and the eternal dance between life and legacy.