Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pace (Church of Saint Mary of Peace), Rome

In 1656, Pope Alexander VII commissioned Pietro da Cortona (1596–1669) to expand the small Peace Square (“Piazza della Pace”) in front of the 15th-century church of Saint Mary, so as to accommodate the carriages of wealthy parishioners. Cortona's solution involved designing a new church facade with a semicircular portico, demolishing select buildings to create a more spacious approach to the church, adding arches to architecturally unify the piazza, and constructing a series of small-size palaces. The outcome became one of Rome's most charming architectural ensembles.

Inside, you can find several magnificent Renaissance treasures, starting with Raphael's fresco above the first altar on the right, which depicts the Four Sibyls (exact replicas of Michelangelo's but with a more relaxed style). Meanwhile, the Cesi Chapel, located second on the right, features exquisite decorations designed by Sangallo in the mid-16th century. Across from it, you'll find Peruzzi's remarkable fresco of the Madonna and Child. Additionally, the octagon beneath the dome serves as an art gallery in itself, displaying works by Arpino, Gentileschi, and others, while Cozzo's "Eternity" adorns the lantern above.

Behind the church lies its cloister – designed by Bramante, the architect of St. Peter's Basilica – which stands as the first embodiment of the High Renaissance style in Rome. The cloister now hosts an exhibition space and a delightful coffee bar on its upper level.