Why is the Church of St. Mary of Victory called that?

The church was originally dedicated to St. Paul when built for the Discalced Carmelites between 1608 and 1620, but was renamed St. Mary of Victory to commemorate the Catholic triumph at the Battle of White Mountain near Prague during the Thirty Years' War. This name change reflected a significant religious and political moment in European history.

Who designed the Church of St. Mary of Victory?

The church's interior design was created by Stefano Maderno, while the facade was designed by Giovanni Battista Soria, who drew inspiration from the nearby Santa Susanna church. This collaboration between two master architects resulted in a harmonious blend of architectural styles.

What is the Cornaro Chapel and why should I see it?

The Cornaro Chapel is a celebrated masterpiece located within the church, designed by the renowned Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It's considered one of the most important artworks in the church and is essential viewing for anyone interested in Baroque architecture and sculpture.

What is the layout of the Church of St. Mary of Victory's interior?

The church features a single nave design with three chapels positioned on each side of the interior. This relatively simple but elegant layout creates an intimate worship space while showcasing important artistic elements like the Cornaro Chapel.

When was the Church of St. Mary of Victory originally built?

The church was constructed between 1608 and 1620 for the Discalced Carmelites, making it an early Baroque structure. It was renamed in the years following 1620 to commemorate the Battle of White Mountain, which occurred during this tumultuous period of the Thirty Years' War.

← Back

Church of St. Mary of Victory

Name: Church of St. Mary of Victory
Rating: 4.1

Via Venti Settembre, 17, 00187 Roma, Italia• ★★★★☆• 165 views

Luana Resta

Roma

About Church of St. Mary of Victory

Initially dedicated to St. Paul and built for the Discalced Carmelites between 1608 and 1620, the church was renamed on the occasion of the Battle of White Mountain (near Prague) in the Thirty Years' War, which saw a temporary victory of Catholic troops over Protestant ones. The design of the church is by Stefano Maderno and the facade by Giovanni Battista Soria (inspired by the nearby Santa Susanna). The interior has a single nave and is marked by three chapels on each side, including the celebrated Cornaro Chapel, a masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernin

🗺 AI Trip Planner 2026

Plan your visit to Roma

Suggested itinerary near Church of St. Mary of Victory

🌅

Morning

Church of St. Mary of Victory

📍 Roma

›
☀️

Afternoon

Rome:St. Mary of the Victory, a small baroque church

📍 0 km · Roma

›
🌆

Evening

Rome: Church of San Bernardo alle Terme

📍 0.1 km · Roma

›

Buy Unique Travel Experiences

See more on Viator.com

Explore nearby · Roma

Rome:St. Mary of the Victory, a small baroque church 📍 0 km away Rome: Church of San Bernardo alle Terme 📍 0.1 km away Pancakes, from the Greeks to the U.S. 📍 0.3 km away The Doors of Igor Mitoraj 📍 0.3 km away Judith and Holofernes 📍 0.4 km away The Fountain of Bees by Gian Lorenzo Bernini 📍 0.5 km away Palazzo Massimo, a branch of the National Museum of Rome 📍 0.5 km away The Quirinal Palace: A Hidden Gem in Rome 📍 0.8 km away