About the Church of Santa Maria in Via (Our Lady of the Way) in Rome:
The church’s history is deeply rooted, with evidence suggesting its existence as early as the 9th century. By 1165, it was recorded as Santa Maria in Via, named for its location near the ancient Via Flaminia, now part of Via del Corso.
The current structure was ordered by Pope Innocent VIII and built between 1491 and 1513, with subsequent renovations by Francesco da Volterra and Carlo Lombardi, and the facade and portico completed by Pietro da Cortona in 1660.
The main altar was designed by Santi Ghetti, with completion overseen by Cardinal Saint Robert Bellarmine in 1604.
The church has been served by the Servite Order since a grant by Pope Leo X in 1513, and it was instituted as a titular church by Pope Julius III in 1551, hosting a succession of notable cardinal-priests, including Roberto Bellarmino, S.J.
Today, it functions as a national church for the Ecuadorian community in Rome.
Santa Maria in Via showcases a baroque style facade made of travertine, completed by Carlo Rainaldi in 1681. The interior has a single nave with a single apse, flanked by four chapels on each side, totaling eight chapels. This layout, typical of Roman churches, provides a serene space for worship and reflection. The ceiling features frescoes, and the main altar is a focal point, enhanced by the work of Santi Ghetti.
The Chapel of the Madonna of the Well:
A pivotal moment occurred on the night of September 26, 1256, when a well in the house of Cardinal Pietro Capocci overflowed, and a picture of Our Lady was found floating on the waters.
This event, declared a miracle by Pope Alexander IV, led to the construction of a chapel on the site, with the well still preserved in the first chapel on the right of the current church.The Chapel of the Madonna of the Well houses a 13th-century painting of Mary, believed to be the image painted from the 1256 miracle. This chapel, along with the well itself, draws many visitors, especially those who come to drink from the miraculous water, believed to have healing properties. The well, still accessible in the first chapel on the right, remains a tangible link to the church’s miraculous past.
Along the walls of the church are the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. They are positioned like the Stations of the Cross. Also a statue of Mary pierced by seven swords is in the main sanctuary.
The first chapel on the right side of the nave preserves this miraculous well and icon. Cups are normally provided so that pilgrims can drink some of the water from this well.
Currently, the church operates as a parish and titular church, serving as a spiritual home for the Ecuadorian community, hosting services and events that reflect this cultural connection.
Traveling to the Church of Santa Maria in Via (Our Lady of the Way) in Rome:
Note that Santa Maria in Via is near the Spanish Steps and is sometimes confused with Santa Maria in Via Lata, located on Via del Corso. While both are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Santa Maria in Via Lata has a different history, linked to early Christian oratories and claims of association with St. Paul and St. Peter.
Address: Via del Mortaro 24, Rome, Italy
There is currently no active website for the Church of Santa Maria in Via (Our Lady of the Way) in Rome.