149.

Monastero, e Chiesa dei SS. Domenico, e Sisto, e quella di S. Cat. da Siena delle Suore Domenicane a Monte Magnanapoli

What looks like a two story palazzo on the left is actually an enormous retaining wall providing support for the giardino pensile (elevated garden) of the Villa Aldobrandini (1). The Aldobrandini had acquired the property in the year 1600, but Nolli calls it Palazzo Pamphilj, revealing that by 1748 the villa had changed hands temporarily: the Aldobrandini owned it from Vasi's time until 1929. The Aldobrandini arms topped by the papal crossed keys and crown indicate that this corner element was built under Clement VIII (1592-1605). Nolli shows that the street door seen here (raised about 3 meters above the level of the street today) gave access to a long cordonata (stair ramp) leading up to the terrace level and the casino (villa building), which was also entered from further along the Via Panisperna (2). Via Panisperna was cut through from S. Maria Maggiore, Plates 48, 122, to the Column of Trajan, Plate 38, by Sixtus V Peretti (1585-1590), and affected the placement of all of the buildings seen here. The building and wall fountain shown on the far left in deep shadow were demolished in the late 19th century to make way for the Via XXIV Maggio (3) and Via Nazionale. These interventions radically transformed this space in other important ways. It reduced the size of the Aldobrandini garden, lowered the level of the space now called Largo Magnanapoli and caused the demolition of the elaborate gate opening onto the court in front of SS. Domenico e Sisto (4). The church facade was built by Orazio Torriani in 1628. Completing the set of early 17th century buildings in this print is S. Caterina da Siena (5) attributed to G.B. Soria.