SANTA MARIA SOPRA MINERVA
BRIEF HISTORY

Here, not only are numerous popes buried, including Leo X, Clement VII, and Urban VII, but also many works by significant artists are located. Michelangelo, Filippino Lippi, and of course, Bernini once again. Many important trials also took place here, such as the one against Galileo Galilei!

The original Gothic building has held the title of Basilica Minor since 1566 and was built over the ruins of a sanctuary dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis and very close to a temple of the goddess Minerva. That’s why the church is called “sopra Minerva” (above Minerva). Pope Nicholas III began construction in 1280, and it was completed in 1453. There were some modifications in the Baroque and 19th century.

The beautiful obelisk carried by an elephant, discovered in the garden of the Dominican monastery in 1665, was placed here. It likely originated from Egypt in the 1st century and was brought to Rome. The famous “Elefantino” is actually a work by the artist Bernini.