Basilica of Santa Maria in Vallicella

Known affectionately as the Chiesa Nuova, this large church was built at the end of the sixteenth century for the religious community founded by Saint Philip Neri. Rubens painted three works for the high altar early in his career, and the vault, dome, and apse were later frescoed by Pietro da Cortona with luminous Baroque scenes. Adjoining the church is the Oratory, whose curving brick facade by Borromini gave rise to the musical form of the oratorio. The complex remains a centre of the Oratorian order in the old artisans' quarter.