THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA IN POGGIO, also known as The Church of the Crocetta

THE HISTORY

A piece of parchment paper shows a purchase dating back to 1076, testifying the origins of the small church of S. Maria del Poggio. The body of Santa Rosa was first buried here and was later transferred to the sanctuary dedicated to her. The name of Crocetta was changed in the seventeenth century when it was attached between the properties of the religious Crociferi Ministri degli Infermi. During this occasion the building was completely renovated. The church is characterized by a façade with an architrave portal surmounted by a single opening window. It was accessed through a circular double flight of steps that give access to a balconied room with semicircular features, like the stairs, with heavy balustrades. Following the bombing of 1944, the church was under a series of reconstructions. The roof was rebuilt and the trusses were replaced as well as the door frames and the thresholds. A report by the Superintendent Inspector (dated November 1, 1944) shows that on that day, a marble low-relief depicting The Annunciation and a panel depicting the Virgin and Child (attributed by Scriattoli al Balletta, 15th century) were lost.

THE EXTERIOR

The Church, shows a series of intervention restored between 1994 and 2002 requested by the Soprintendenza ai Monumenti del Lazio, presents a three-part front with a roof covering and characterized by the presence of a high bell tower a sail with two bells, of which the bigger one was made in 1285. The front is presented with an installation of simple romantic style with a cabin roof. Three windows open to the height of the respective nave; a central window is above the portal of access and two symmetrical for both of the naves.

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