One of the most beautiful churches in Rome, and also one of the least known, is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, located in the homonymous square of the eternal city.
Legend has it that its name comes from a poplar (populus in Latin) that took root in the place where the church stands today and once was the tomb of the Emperor Nero. It was said that his spirit, every night, and accompanied by others, terrified the inhabitants of the city. Nothing more false.
The church would rise at the wish of Pope Pascual II (pontificate from 1099 to 1118) after the Holy Sepulcher had been released by the Crusaders. Although the legend also tells that, visited in a dream by the Virgin Mary, she asked him to consecrate a church for her.
Well, Pascual II ordered the infected tree to be uprooted and a small church dedicated to the Mother of God was built in its place, which was actually paid for by the Roman people and hence its name.
It was rebuilt and modified between the s. XV and XVII. Inside we can find works of art by Caravaggio, Raphael, Annibale Caracci, Bramante, Bernini, Pinturicchio...