Church of Santa Maria di Loreto

The Church of Santa Maria di Loreto is a striking Renaissance church located near Trajan’s Column and the Forum of Trajan in Rome. Constructed between 1507 and 1589, it was designed by renowned architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and later completed by Jacopo del Duca, a pupil of Michelangelo. The church was built to house a venerated image of the Virgin Mary, believed to possess miraculous powers, and became a center of Marian devotion. Its distinctive octagonal structure, topped by an elegant dome, makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. The richly decorated interior features ornate altars, sculptures, and frescoes that reflect the Renaissance artistic style. Santa Maria di Loreto’s proximity to Trajan’s Column and its architectural beauty illustrate the harmonious coexistence of Christian devotion and ancient Roman heritage in the heart of the Eternal City.