Basilica di Sant'Andrea delle Fratte (Basilica of St. Andrew of the Thickets), Rome

Originally located at the northernmost boundary of Rome, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte was constructed in the 1100s. Although the church now resides firmly within the city, its name, which translates to "thickets" in English, harkens back to its initial setting.

During the 17th century, the church underwent a complete reconstruction, with Borromini playing a significant role in the project. The bell tower and dome, distinguished by their intricate concave and convex surfaces, offer a remarkable sight when viewed from Via di Capo le Case, situated across Via dei Due Macelli. The bell tower, in particular, showcases a fanciful design adorned with angel caryatids, flaming torches, and elaborate scrolls reminiscent of semi-folded hearts, all supporting a spiky crown.

In 1842, a Jewish banker purportedly witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary within the church, prompting his swift conversion to Christianity and subsequent missionary work. Inside the church, the Miraculous Madonna chapel immediately catches the eye. However, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte is most renowned for housing the angels sculpted by Bernini, a rival of Borromini, for the Ponte Sant' Angelo. These angelic sculptures were deemed too exquisite to face the harsh weather conditions, leading them to remain under Bernini's family's care until 1729. Eventually, they found their permanent home in the church, where they were positioned on either side of the high altar under the decree of Pope Clement IX.

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Sight Name: Basilica di Sant'Andrea delle Fratte (Basilica of St. Andrew of the Thickets)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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