DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.71133#0448
358
S. MA RIA DELL' ANIMA
Navona) was erected by Bernini under Innocent X. Seated
on large masses of rock are four gigantic figures representing
the four largest rivers, viz., the Danube, Ganges, Nile, and Rio
del Plata. Below is a large ancient basin of Pentelic marble.
The obelisk that surmounts the structure was found in the
Circus of Maxentius near S. Sebastiano.
In 1749 St. Leonard of Porto Maurizio preached a mission
in this square, which was attended by immense crowds for
fifteen days. People stood at every window, and even the side
streets were filled. It was noticed that even those who were
far beyond the reach of his voice, were moved to sorrow and
compunction by merely seeing him. Though it was the month
of August, men and women stood crowded together for hours,
waiting for the sermon, and listening spell-bound to his words.
La Befana in Piazza Navona.—On the feast of the Epiphany
and for several subsequent days an annual fair, known as
La Befana, is held in this square. Gaily-lighted stalls along
the whole length of the piatza display their wares—tin trumpets,
toys, sweets, eatables of various kinds—to the crowding
customers. Nearly all Rome goes to enjoy the scene. A brisk
sale is carried on in tin trumpets, and troops of boys, each pro-
vided with these very unmusical instruments, parade the
streets on every side, blowing blasts of welcome to the Befana.
309.-S. MARIA DELL’ ANIMA.
{Via dell' Animal}
Crossing the square and following the narrow street to the
right of S. Agnese, we reach the Via dell’ Anima, with a church
dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Souls, this title being
suggested by a marble group discovered here, representing two
souls praying to the Blessed Virgin, a copy of which may be
seen on the tympanum over the doorway.1 This, the national
church of the Austrians, was begun in 1400 with funds
bequeathed by John Peeters, a Belgian, and Catherine, his
wife, and was completed in 1514. It originally belonged to
the Belgians, but the Austrians gradually occupied it and paid
rent to the Belgians.
The interior is wide and lofty, the ceiling resting on massive
piers. Over the high altar is a fine painting of our Lady and
Saints by Giulio Romano, a disciple of Raphael. On the right
1 The front entrance is generally closed after 8.30 a.m. Admit-
tance can always be gained from behind through the courtyard of the
college.
S. MA RIA DELL' ANIMA
Navona) was erected by Bernini under Innocent X. Seated
on large masses of rock are four gigantic figures representing
the four largest rivers, viz., the Danube, Ganges, Nile, and Rio
del Plata. Below is a large ancient basin of Pentelic marble.
The obelisk that surmounts the structure was found in the
Circus of Maxentius near S. Sebastiano.
In 1749 St. Leonard of Porto Maurizio preached a mission
in this square, which was attended by immense crowds for
fifteen days. People stood at every window, and even the side
streets were filled. It was noticed that even those who were
far beyond the reach of his voice, were moved to sorrow and
compunction by merely seeing him. Though it was the month
of August, men and women stood crowded together for hours,
waiting for the sermon, and listening spell-bound to his words.
La Befana in Piazza Navona.—On the feast of the Epiphany
and for several subsequent days an annual fair, known as
La Befana, is held in this square. Gaily-lighted stalls along
the whole length of the piatza display their wares—tin trumpets,
toys, sweets, eatables of various kinds—to the crowding
customers. Nearly all Rome goes to enjoy the scene. A brisk
sale is carried on in tin trumpets, and troops of boys, each pro-
vided with these very unmusical instruments, parade the
streets on every side, blowing blasts of welcome to the Befana.
309.-S. MARIA DELL’ ANIMA.
{Via dell' Animal}
Crossing the square and following the narrow street to the
right of S. Agnese, we reach the Via dell’ Anima, with a church
dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Souls, this title being
suggested by a marble group discovered here, representing two
souls praying to the Blessed Virgin, a copy of which may be
seen on the tympanum over the doorway.1 This, the national
church of the Austrians, was begun in 1400 with funds
bequeathed by John Peeters, a Belgian, and Catherine, his
wife, and was completed in 1514. It originally belonged to
the Belgians, but the Austrians gradually occupied it and paid
rent to the Belgians.
The interior is wide and lofty, the ceiling resting on massive
piers. Over the high altar is a fine painting of our Lady and
Saints by Giulio Romano, a disciple of Raphael. On the right
1 The front entrance is generally closed after 8.30 a.m. Admit-
tance can always be gained from behind through the courtyard of the
college.