Santa Maria dell'Anima
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Santa Maria dell'Anima is a Catholic church in central Rome, which for centuries has serviced the German community in Rome.
[edit] History
Founded in the fourteenth century, it was not finally consecrated until 1542. Among the original patrons were Johannes Peter and Katharina of Dordrecht. In Rome, Johann Burchard had joined the Confraternity of Santa Maria dell'Anima and quickly rose to its provost. While he held this office, the decision was taken to rebuild the church for the Jubilee of 1500. The church was build in the style of a Hallenkirche that was typical for Northern Europe, but which sits awkwardly amid the Italianate churches of Rome. Andrea Sansovino was retained as architect. The facade was completed by Giuliano da Sangallo.
The institution was destined as a hostel for pilgrims of the German nation. During the Napoleonic occupation, the church was plundered and the sacristy used as a horse stable. In 1859, a seminary was instituted next to the church. The Church is located near Santa Maria della Pace. The name is though to refer to a dome fresco of the Virgin saving (anima) souls.
Among the artistic treasures of the church are:
- 1) An altarpiece by Giulio Romano painted for a Fugger family
- The altarpiece depicts the Sacred Family and donors (Mark and Giacomo Fugger) (1521-22).
- 2) The funeral monument of Pope Adrian VI designed in part by Baldassarre Peruzzi.
- Adrian was born in Utrecht and the last German pope till the year 2005. The funeral monument was commissioned by his friend, cardinal Willem van Enkevoirt.
- 3) A Deposition (1550) by Francesco Salviati
- 4) A Miracles of Saint Bennone and the Martyrdom of Saint Lamberto (1618) painted by Carlo Saraceni.
- 5) An altarpiece (1532) by Lorenzetto (with the name of Lorenzo Giovanni di Ludovico) brother in law of Giulio Romano.
- 6) A painting by Girolamo Siciolante da Sermoneta.
