Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto
Piazza di S. Agostino, Rome
Description of the Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto
In 1479, Cardinal Guglielmo d’Estouteville commissioned the construction of the Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto, dedicated to St. Augustine, incorporating an existing small church into the structure.
The work was completed quickly, and the church was finished in 1483. Some restorations followed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The façade, in the style of early Roman Renaissance, features distinctive lateral volutes, a design already introduced by Leon Battista Alberti for Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Above a wide staircase, the travertine façade stands out, with a large round window at its center. The main entrance is adorned with a beautiful portal.
The interior, in the shape of a Latin cross, is structured with pillars and high cross-vaults in the central nave.
Statue of Madonna del Parto in the Church of St. Augustine
The Sansovino sculpture was commissioned in 1516 by the heirs of Florentine merchant Francesco Martelli to adorn their patronal altar, which no longer exists. On one of the columns framing the niche housing the statue, the rampant griffin—the family’s coat of arms—is visible. The statue, depicting the seated Virgin holding the Child, was completed by the artist in 1521.
Types of Ex-Votos in the Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto
Early Ex-Votos: Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto
Jewelry, anatomical parts in gold and silver, small painted tablets depicting Mary aiding a faithful. Notable items include a diamond tiara offered by Queen Maria Cristina of Spain and the precious jewels of the Torlonia family.
Recent Ex-Votos:
Blue and pink ribbons as thanks for successful difficult births, votive lights, painted tablets, goldsmith objects, anthropomorphic figurines, real or represented prosthetics. To this day, some ex-votos (hearts and ribbons) remain visible in their original location.
Recognized Miracles
The healing of eighteen-year-old Geltrude Palombi from heart complications and of Costanza Tondini from paralysis.
Key Facts Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto
The official beginning of the Madonna del Parto devotion can be traced to 1820 when young Lorenzo Bracci, a hatmaker, was granted permission to keep a lamp lit day and night before the statue. Inspired by this, many faithful began lighting candles and offering gifts to the Madonna del Parto.
By the early 19th century, the Madonna del Parto in the Church of St. Augustine had become the most heartfelt devotion among Roman citizens. The Virgin, perhaps the most venerated of Rome’s Madonnas, is seated on a throne with the Child standing on her left leg and is adorned with ex-votos of all kinds.
Since the early 19th century, the sculpture has been considered the protector of women in childbirth, earning the name Madonna del Parto (Madonna of Childbirth). The inscription along the architrave reads “VIRGO GLORIA TUA PARTUS“—”O Virgin, childbirth is your glory.” In 1833, Belli irreverently described the cult’s success: “Today, with much pushing and shoving, I managed to get close to the little booth of the Madonna of St. Augustine, the one to whom God grants all victories.” Belli’s irony was met with protests from those who saw the new devotion as a lucrative business exploiting the faithful’s credulity. Despite the controversy, the devotion gained new momentum when the Vatican Chapter decreed the solemn coronation of the Virgin and Child in 1851. Even today, the devotion remains vibrant.
Important Dates Church of St. Augustine Madonna del Parto
Second Sunday of October
In 1822, Pius VII granted a 200-day indulgence to those who kissed the foot of the Madonna del Parto and recited the prayer to the Most Holy Mary. This pious custom became so popular that the marble foot was soon worn down, necessitating its replacement with a silver one. The feast is celebrated on the second Sunday of October.
Piazza di S. Agostino, 00186 Rome, Italy
