This site has a fascinating legend. Nero, the last emperor of the Roman Empire, was buried here after dying from assisted suicide in 68 AD. His evil spirit plagued those who entered Rome until a massive walnut tree housing demons was exorcised in 1099. In thanksgiving for the spiritual cleansing, Pope Paschal II had a chapel built. The origin of the first church of Santa Maria ad Flaminiam was during the 13th century. The current structure is called the Parish Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo (St. Mary of the People). The Augustinian church dates from the 1470s with a significant renovation in the 17th century. Next door is the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
