The Church and Convent of Trinità dei Monti in Rome, known for its picturesque location at the top of the famous Spanish Steps, has a rich and complex history that dates back several centuries.
Foundation and Origins
Foundation and Construction
Louis XI, King of France, fell gravely ill and, despairing of his recovery, summoned the famous hermit of Paola in Calabria, Francis, nicknamed the holy man by his contemporaries, to miraculously cure him. At the invitation of Pope Sixtus IV, Francis traveled to Rome. Passing through the hills of Pincio, he predicted that one day a convent of his religious order, known as the Minims, would be founded there. Once in France, Francis received honors from the court. After the death of Louis XI, Charles VIII, an admirer of the saint of Paola, asked his ambassador in Rome to find a location to build a Minim convent. The choice fell on a vineyard belonging to a Venetian named Daniele Barbaro, who sold his land to the ambassador. Charles VIII ratified the sale.
In 1493, the foundations of the new monastery were laid, and construction continued thanks to donations from Louis XII, who made significant contributions. Cardinal Briçonnet carefully oversaw the construction, even bringing stones from Narbonne for the main altar and stained glass windows depicting Saints Justus and Pastor. Julius II contributed to the construction costs; in 1507, the religious held their first general chapter in the monastery. Leo X granted an indulgence to those who contributed to the continuation of the work. Henry II donated land and vineyards around the monastery. Henry III was also generous, offering 6000 tournois to complete the building. Among the Italian benefactors, mention should be made of Marquis Angelo de Massimi, who obtained a chapel in the church and had it painted by Giulio Romano and Pierin del Vaga. Sixtus V demolished the old steep staircase of the church and built a new one in front of the square. During the sack of Rome by the Prince of Orange, the church and convent suffered heavy damage; in 1587, Father Albert had the life of Saint Francis of Paola painted by various artists in the cloister.
In 1611, the Villa del Pino, known as Villa Malta, was purchased and attached to the convent. A French clock was installed on the church tower. Clement VIII elevated the church to the rank of cardinal titular church.
At the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th, serious dissensions arose within the Minim order, between the Calabrian community and the French superiors. In 1624, the Calabrian religious withdrew to the Church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte.
Architecture and Art
The church is a notable example of Renaissance architecture in Rome, with later Baroque additions. It is famous for its frescoes by Daniele da Volterra and its two symmetrical towers.
Inside, there are fourteen chapels, some of which bear the name of their benefactor, whose descendants are subsequently buried inside. Each of these chapels has its own history, so if you want details on the works and people buried inside, there is a dedicated section at the bottom of the page.
Evolution Over the Centuries
Expansion and Influence
The convent attached to the church was initially occupied by the Minims, a religious order founded by Saint Francis of Paola. The convent became an important intellectual center, particularly under the patronage of France.
Modern Times
Renovations and Contemporary Use
In 1798, the church was definitively abandoned by the order due to French domination. The last French religious of the Minims, Father Brunone Montnaird, retired to Santa Maria della Luce in Trastevere, where he died in the early 19th century. The portraits of the kings of France painted in the cloister of the adjoining house are the work of Avanzino Nucci, and the refectory was designed and painted by Brother Pozzi, a Jesuit. The church and the adjoining house were given by Charles to the Religious of the Sacred Heart, founded by the venerable Mother Barat, who established an educational institute for girls there.
In 1828, the church was restored by King Charles X of France. Today, the convent is managed by the Community of Emmanuel and houses a French school.
Heritage and Tourism
Today, the Church of Trinità dei Monti is not only an active religious site but also a major tourist attraction due to its iconic location and artistic treasures, including the famous Spanish Steps, the magnificent fountain by Bernini, and the staircase leading to the church.
Many illustrious personalities are buried there, including Denis-Simon de Marquemont, Zacharie Roslet, Marc-Antoine Muret, Jean du Bellay, Jacques Caucu, François Jacquier, and many others.
ARMELLINI Mariano, Le chiese di Roma dal secolo IV al XIX, Rome, 1891.
