Sant'Egidio

where: Piazza di Sant'Egidio, Trastevere
getting there: 5 minute walk from the Porta Settimiano, on Via della Scala to Piazza di Sant'Egidio
open: not available

Sant'Egidio in Trastevere was built in 1630 as a convent church for Carmelite nuns and dedicated to Saint Giles, patron saint of hermits.

The church was funded by Prince Filippo Colonna and his generous donation was acknowledged with a carving of his family crest – a column – over the facade doorway.

Around the corner on the right of the church facade is a lovely Madonella fresco of the Assumption.

Today the old convent building next door is home to the Museo di Roma of Trastevere which holds the collection of folklore and Roman traditions with paintings of Roman life from the 18th to the 20th centuries. 

Inside the church is an altarpiece by Cristoforo Romcalli (il Pomerancio) of Saint Egidio.

The main altarpiece dates to 1630 by Andrea Camassei.