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Camilla Virginia Savelli
(1602-1668) had the building of Santa Maria dei
Sette Dolori constructed. She was the wife of Pietro
Farnese, duke of Latera. The woman, without children,
had met several young people, who wanted to follow a
religious life, in the small centre. After moving to
Roma, the noblewoman, after having overcome some
economic difficulties, purchased some land for the
purposes of founding a monastery that, still today,
houses the Augustinian oblates. The construction of
the building was delayed because of financial
problems and was completed only in the 18th century.
During the Roman Republic (1849), the convent was
the home of the military hospital and in 1870, it
was damaged by the cannonade of Nino Bixio.
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The church, planned by Francesco
Borromini, is enclosed by the convent, built in various
periods between 1643 and 1667.The fac;:ade with its brick
curtain is bordered by two projecting wings that emphasise
the angularity of the angel. The architect seems to search
for an effect of enclosure, almost alluding to the secluded
life ofthe nuns. The main door opens onto a vestibule shape
the shape of which reveals knowledge and study of classic
architecture. The church, parallel to the fac;;ade, is
rectangular with a very dynamic interior.
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The pairs of columns, in fact, with a
high cornice, emphasise the side chapels and the high altar.
The interior was completely repainted in 1845, altering
Borromini's wishes to keep it white. The original floor, in
brickwork, where smooth bricks alternated rose-coloured and
clear, has been lost. The construction of the church was not
completed by the architect because of the pressing
commitments for the jubilee restoration of the Lateran
Basilica.
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