Madonnas at Street Intersections in Rome, Italy - Encircle Photos

Madonnas at Street Intersections in Rome, Italy

First-time visitors to Rome are typically overwhelmed by the major landmarks representing over two thousand years of history. The keen observer will begin noticing small, religious art perched above the first floor of buildings at intersections. Most portray the Virgin Mary. They are often supported by angel carvings and were once illuminated with oil lamps. These are Madonnelle meaning Little Madonnas. There are over 2,700 of them along Rome’s streets. This one near the Trevi Fountain copies the Madonna dell’Archetto painting by Domenico Maria Muratori. According to legend, the original image of the Virgin Mary moved her eyes during a French invasion of Rome in the late 18th century.

Madonnas at Street Intersections in Rome, Italy

Via del Lavatore, 54, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

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