Basilica di Sant'Agostino (Basilica of St. Augustine in Campo Marzio), Rome

Sant'Agostino, one of Rome's earliest Renaissance churches, is renowned for its façade crafted from travertine sourced from the Colosseum. This sacred place holds a special connection to motherhood, primarily due to the presence of Jacopo Tatti's statue, the Madonna del Parto ("Pregnant Madonna"). It is believed to possess the power to aid pregnant women, and thus it is surrounded by photographs of newborn babies and their elated parents. However, in a more distant past, during the 16th century, Sant'Agostino became a haven for Rome's creative community, attracting affluent patrons and well-connected artists.

As you venture further inside the church, you will encounter Raphael's vibrant fresco of a blue-robed Isaiah, adorning the third pillar on the left. Just below it, Sansovino's sculpture, influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, depicts a rugged St. Anne and the Madonna with Child. The most bustling crowds gather around the first chapel on the left. Here, you may discover Caravaggio's masterpiece, the Madonna of the Pilgrims ("Madonna di Loreto"), painted in 1605, which exemplifies a characteristic style that was considered nearly revolutionary for its realistic portrayal. It actually caused quite a stir in Rome as it depicted a kneeling pilgrim with meticulous attention to detail, including dirt on the soles of his feet. The Madonna herself stands in a humble pose within a weathered doorway, deviating from the typical majestic depictions of the era.