The Church at Villa d’Este

The sun was setting, so we left Villa d’Este and stopped at the church immediately next door. Santa Maria Maggiore, not to be confused with the basilica in the center of Rome, is sometimes referred to as San Francesco. The church has ancient origins, having been built on the remains of a Roman villa. Legend has it that it was founded by Pope Simplicius in the 5th Century C.E.

The present-day entrance is Gothic, dating from the late 14th century. The church was substantially renovated in the 16th century by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, the same cardinal who created Villa d’Este out of what had once been a Benedictine monastery.

The entrance of the church Santa Maria Maggiore in Tivoli

We were the only visitors, and it was calm and quiet.

Inside the church
Approaching the altar

Among the church’s treasures are a 13th-century wooden crucifix and a lovely Madonna on the altar.

The altar
The lovely Madonna (Madonna Avvocata)
The crucifix, attributed to Baccio da Montelupo
A beautiful Madonna and child, by Bartolomeo da Siena

And it has the Cosmatesque floors that I love so much.

Those magnificent swirls
A stunning Cosmatesque pattern

Then it was time to head back to Rome.

Published by spanishstepsapartment

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In the heart of Rome's Historic Center, between the beautiful Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain, this luxury two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is surrounded by fine dining and fabulous shopping. It is within walking distance of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and many other historic sites and museums, and near the subway, taxi stands, bus stops, and bike rental. Located in a traditional Roman palazzo, the apartment was fully renovated in late 2010 and is now available for vacation and short-term rental.