S. Maria Della Vittoria: Revitalizing the Roman Catholic Church

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Roman Catholic Church was facing the erosion of its congregations stemming from the popularization of science, Protestant forces, civil unrest and economic warefare. (Kostof) If it was to remain one of the largest landholders in Europe, the papacy would have to find a way to draw people back into the church. Pope Sixtus V began the process of revitalization first by creating a network of straight avenues that connected many important churches across the vast expanse of Rome. (Trachtenberg) Not only did this allow these churches to be more visible and omnipresent, it allowed for a more theatrical approach and entrance that could build up anticipation and excitement around the church. Theatricality was the very essence of how the Roman Catholic Church would attract more congregates and create a renewed faith the lord. The name of this theatrical new style was Baroque.

S. Maria della Vittoria is the perfect example of how the Roman Catholic Church fought to maintain its power in Rome. Originally built by Protestants and named St.Paul, the church was converted to Catholicism after Protestant defeat in the Thirty Years War. The victorious Catholic army delivered an image of the Madonna that had belonged to a soldier/monk of the church of St. Paul while he fought against the Protestants. The church was renamed S. Maria della Vittoria in honor of this image as a symbol of Catholic victory. As a result, this small church was repeatedly remodeled and eventually became “one of the most complete examples of Baroque decoration in Rome.” (Riccardo) Most notable of these remodeling efforts was the work done by Bernini on the Cornaro Chapel.