Chiesa di Santa Maria sopra Minerva

The church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is housed in the ancient Roman Temple of Minerva and was the next place we visited. Built in 1539, it was renovated in Baroque style in the 17th century. The temple itself was built in the 1st century BC and it was thought to be dedicated to Minerva after a female statue was unearthed. However, a dedication stone to Hercules has been found, and the temple was likely dedicated to this male demi-god.

At the age of 25, Francis renounced his vast inherited wealth from his father by symbolically stripping naked in front of the Bishop Guido and a great crowd, in front of this temple.

It is such a surreal feeling walking in the steps where such significant historic events took place, where religion and politics determined the shape of this country.Read more