26/11/2024
Of the single nave Church of Trinita de Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome, only the first three chapels on either side can be viewed by visitors, and even those are protected by iron bars. The main part of the church was closed off by a big cast iron gate in 1679, and can only be visited with a special permission granted by the Presidente degli Stabilimenti Francesi. A 12th-century twisted column, carved in bas-relief, is preserved in the presbytery. Of the Gothic style interior,which was altered by Giuseppe Pannini in 1774, some remains can still be seen in the transept. In 1816 the architect Mazois directed the restoration of the structure, made necessary by the Damage suffered during the French occupation caused another retoration in 1816, by the architect Mazois.