Casa Santa Maria

Doorway into former convent complex; probably rebuilt 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 architect is unknown. The official title for the church and monastery is La Chiesa della Santa Maria Asunta al monastero dell’Umiltà. The convent 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 convent continued for some 200 years until it was suppressed under Napoleon. After his defeat, the Church regained control of the property which was administered by the Congregation De Propaganda Fide. In 1859, Pope Pius IX gave the property to the American bishops who established the North American College on December 7, 1859. The College outgrew the building and has built another campus in Rome, but the Casa is still used to house clergy studying for graduate degrees. Source: Pontifical North American College [website]; http://www.pnac.org/ (accessed 7/26/2014