It is important to note that, in fact, this building consists of two churches at once. The first, that of Saint Martina, was built in the 6th century not far from the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Hill. It was named in honor of the martyr who suffered for the Christian faith at the hands of the Roman emperor Alexander Severus.

The architectural plan of this church was created by Father Honorius. Several centuries later, the building had already been significantly ruined and was repeatedly restored.

In 1558, it was decided to “renew” the old church in a very radical way. With funds from the Academy of Saint Luke, which included sculptors, painters, and architects, a new building was erected on the roof of the Church of Saint Martina. The appearance and usefulness of this superstructure sparked heated discussions for many years, but over time people got used to the church’s new look, and the talk died down.

The author of the church’s “second floor” project was the famous architect and painter Pietro da Cortona, who presented the world with a brilliant Baroque facade and an impressive dome. The church’s interior was also decorated through his efforts. In gratitude for the “second life” that da Cortona gave this church, the architect, together with members of his family, was buried inside his masterpiece.