Rome Churches
Santa Maria sopra Minerva

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This is the start of a selection of church interior photos, starting with Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

Built on the site of a Roman temple to Minerva, Santa Maria sopra Minerva was built in 1280 in unusually gothic style; the interior is lavish and contains a spectacular ceiling, frescos, carved marble tombs of a couple of Medici popes among others, a Risen Christ statue by Michelangelo and varied works by Bernini, Italy's second favourite sculptor after the big Mike.
The elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk outside the church is by Bernini, supposedly extolling the virtue of strength supporting wisdom.

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