page_title: Santa Maria del Popolo
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Santa Maria del Popolo / History
caption_attribution_description: English: The foundation legend of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, engraving from Giacomo Alberici's book. Episodes: (1) the demons around the walnut tree that grew from Nero's tomb; (2) the demons killing travellers at Porta Flaminia; (3) the Madonna appearing to Pope Paschal II in his dream; (4) the Pope cuts down the evil tree; (5) a beautiful church was built in its place.
context_page_description: The Parish Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a titular church and a minor basilica in Rome run by the Augustinian order. It stands on the north side of Piazza del Popolo, one of the most famous squares in the city. The church is hemmed in between the Pincian Hill and Porta del Popolo, one of the gates in the Aurelian Wall as well as the starting point of Via Flaminia, the most important route from the north. Its location made the basilica the first church for the majority of travellers entering the city. The church contains works by several famous artists, such as Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Alessandro Algardi, Pinturicchio, Andrea Bregno, Guillaume de Marcillat and Donato Bramante.
caption: The foundation legend of the church, in an engraving from Giacomo Alberici's book (1599).
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