The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the adjoining former Franciscan Convent stand in Piazza Nicolo II, at the end of Via Roma. This complex was built in the first twenty years of the 17th century, on the remains of an ancient Roman villa, thanks to the initiative of Angelo Felici, lord of the town, and with the active contribution of the Montopoli community.
Church of St. Mary of the Angels
Location
Piazza Piazza Nicolò II, 8,
02034 Montopoli di Sabina (RI)
Opening Hours.
Open during church services
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The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the adjoining former Franciscan Convent stand in Piazza Nicolo II, at the end of Via Roma. This complex was built in the first twenty years of the 17th century, on the remains of an ancient Roman villa, thanks to the initiative of Angelo Felici, lord of the town, and with the active contribution of the Montopoli community.
The church, inspired in miniature by the one of the same name designed by Vignola in Assisi, features a barrel vault and seven side chapels. Inside are the relics of four martyrs: Emerenziano, Donnino and two others whose names are unknown, transferred here in 1616 from the catacombs of Priscilla.
The rich pictorial decoration, completed in the late 17th century, was carried out by Vincenzo Manenti, the famous “Pictor Sabinus”, together with his father Ascanio and their workshop. The frescoes, canvases and stuccoes adorn all the chapels and the high altar.
Franciscan historian Benedetto Spila described the church and convent of Montopoli as “perhaps the most beautiful building of the Seraphic Order in the Roman Province.”
Texts by Enrico Galanti.
Photos by Natale Madeo.