Dome

View looking up at facade as rebuilt in 1859; The building was founded as a Dominican monastery (convento) for young ladies of nobility by Francesca Orsini in 1601. The cloister was dedicated in 1613. The official title for the church and monastery was La Chiesa della Santa Maria Asunta al monastero dell’Umiltà. A new church was built between 1641 and 1646 for the community, the architect being Paolo Marucelli. The former church was kept as a convent choir chapel or oratory without public access. The nunnery expanded to take up the entire city block bounded by the Via dell'Umiltà, Vicolo del Monticello, Piazza della Pilotta and Via dell'Archetto. The monastery is now part of the Pontifical North American College; known as Casa Santa Maria. In 1703 the façade of the church was rebuilt by Carlo Fontana; this included the Felici relief and the pilasters. The facade was greatly altered when rebuilt in 1859 by Andrea Busiri Vici, architect of Pius IX. The single nave still retains the decorations done under Fontana. Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 7/26/2014)