178.

Collegio Ecclesiastico à Ponte Sisto

This long view along Via dei Pettinari, is taken from the opening of Ponte Sisto (1) Plate 88, looking toward Piazza Trinità dei Pellegrini, Plate 176. The flank of that church is visible in the distance on the right corner of the block, while its dome can be seen above part of the associated Ospizio dei Pellegrini (5). Via delle Zoccolette enters Via dei Pettinari from the right, passing between the Ospizio and the Collegio Ecclesiastico (4) also known as the Ospizio dei Mendicanti, the principal subject of this print. The asymmetrical placement of the fountain grouping on the facade of this building is due to its alignment on the Via Giulia axis (entering from the left), which the Nolli plan shows as widening into a small piazza at this point. Symmetry of sorts was used about the fountain (3) itself whose formal comopostion Vasi enhances in this view. The two similar entry doorways to the Collegio and to the chapel of S. Francesco (2) form a quasi symmetrical grouping, further reinforced by the ornate clock above the cornice of the building. The fountain was built in 1613 under Paul V Borghese (1605-1621), as the inscription and papal arms indicate. It is the only surviving element of the group, and is now relocated across the river at the other end of Ponte Sisto. In 1879, demolitions for the river walls and road caused the destruction of much of the Collegio. On the left side of Via dei Pettinari we see the corner building of the18th century Monastery attached to S. Salvatore in Onda.