060.

S. Maria in Trastevere

Piazza S. Maria in Trastevere has been the focal point of Rione Trastevere since late antiquity. It is located near the intersection of two ancient streets: Via Aurelia Vetus which defines the right side of the piazza, and the street (now called Via della Scala) leading to the right transept of the church from the Porta Settimiana (see Plate 14) in the Aurelian walls. It is named after the church of S. Maria in Trastevere (2) at the center of the image, which is reputed to be the oldest church in Rome, although the present structure dates from the mid 12th century. The portico in front of the church was added by Carlo Fontana in 1702. The Canonica (3) houses the clergy which officiates at the church. Palazzo S. Calisto, which dominates the left side of this print, was built during the reign of Pope Paul V Borghese (1606-1621). It is attached to the church of S. Calisto (NN 1164) around the corner facing onto the piazza of the same name. Formerly symmetrical about the main door, the palace received two extensions to the west, as can be seen by examining the quoins on its right side. Vasi reveals the building to be very shallow by showing sunlight shining from the inside through the door onto Piazza S. Maria; the Nolli map corroborates this point. As the Nolli map illustrates, the buildings on the right edge of the print form a perfectly straight line, whereas Vasi gives them a decided curve.