The Church of S. Maria d’Aracoeli stands on
the top of numerous steps, where is it possible to appreciate a
beautiful sight of Rome. The Church was built in 1520 by Franciscan
monks. The name probably comes from an altar (ara) dedicated to
the goddess of the sky or to the Citadel (arx), which was located
in this place during the first years of the construction of the
city of Rome, to defend the northern side of the Palatine’s
hill. The name of Maria, is dedicated to the legend up to which
in this place the Virgin and the Child appeared to the Emperor Augustus.
The style of the façade is quite severe, with its Renaissance
doorway and two Gothic Rose windows. The interior has a basilical
plan and contains several works of art of Donatello and Pinturicchio.
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