154.

Monastero, e Chiesa di S. Apollonia, e quella di S. Margarita delle Suore Francescane

The 1577 map by Duperac shows the 13th century church of S. Margherita (1) facing onto the Via della Lungaretta, the cross street at the far end of the piazza in this print. In 1678 it was rebuilt at right angles to its original orientation, so as to face Piazza S. Apollonia, as we see it here. The piazza takes its name from the 1580s church of S. Apollonia (2), destroyed in the late 19th century. In spite of this, the piazza has retained the name of S. Apollonia. At the end of the piazza is the entrance to Palazzo Leoni (3) which has a facade on Piazza S. Maria in Trastevere, Plate 60, but oddly has no entrance from that side. The reason for its main entrance being where it is may be attributed to the fact that Via della Lungaretta was the main street of Trastevere at the time the palazzo was built. Vasi records Palazzo Leoni before it was extended to the left (note jagged masonry edge on the two upper levels). The bell tower seen in the distance is something of a mystery because no medieval tower lies in that direction.