San Bernardino da Siena ai Monti, Rome

Opposite the church of Sant'Agata dei Goti stands the lovely church of San Bernardino da Siena ai Monti, the only one dedicated to the Sienese saint in Rome. The building, consecrated in 1625, probably stands on the ruins of an older one. The round interior has five altars; the high altar is dedicated to the saint and has a canvas showing him amongst angels and cherubs. Two frescoes depict the preaching and funeral of the saint. The two chapels to the right of the high altar are respectively dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and Jesus, while the two on the left are dedicated to Santa Verdiana and the Madonna and Child. Although it was not the work of a master, the dome is adorned with paintings, stucchi and gilding which give it a certain elegance. It was the work of Bernardino Gagliardi who portrayed the glory of the Franciscan saints.

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