Rome, roof collapses at San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, the church on Carcere Mamertino that holds important work by Carlo Maratta

In Rome, the roof of the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami near the Capitol collapsed.The important church is located just behind the Palazzo Senatorio and is one of the most historically rich places in the city’s historic center. The building is in fact built near the Roman Forum and directly above the Mamertine Prison, the place where, according to tradition, Saints Peter and Paul were segregated. It was built between the late sixteenth and mid-seventeenth centuries (to be precise between 1597 and 1663), designed by the great architect Giacomo della Porta (Porlezza, 1532 - Rome, 1602) and on the site of the pre-existing church of San Pietro in Carcere. The church, with a single nave and two chapels on each side, preserves one of the most significant works by Carlo Maratta (Camerano, 1625 - Rome, 1713), theAdoration of the Shepherds also known as the Nativity.

At the time of the collapse, the church was closed to the public: the roof is ruined for almost its entirety, and beams and rubble have invaded the nave. At the moment, access to the place of worship was barred by traffic police. As the church was closed fortunately no one was involved in the collapse. According to information, when the roof collapsed only the pastor was present in the complex of St. Joseph of the Carpenters (but not in the church), and he did not suffer any consequences. The condition of the Maratta Nativity is unknown: it is not possible to know at this time whether the collapse involved it. Nor is the condition of the Mamertine Prison known. Architects and art historians are waiting to enter the building after city officials, who are already removing unsafe portions, secure it.

Pictured at left is the Church of St. Joseph of the Carpenters (ph. credit José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro) and at right is the Nativity or Adoration of the Shepherds by Carlo Maratta (1650).

Rome, roof collapses at San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, the church on Carcere Mamertino that holds important work by Carlo Maratta

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