Exterior view
by FUGA, Ferdinando, Photo
Pope Benedict XIV (1740-1758) encouraged architectural and urban development to a considerable extent. He continued the restoration of ancient churches such as the Pantheon and Santa Croce in Gerusalemme as well as the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli that had already been altered by Michelangelo. He took action to ensure the structural stability of St. Peter’s dome, had a new fa�ade built for Santa Maria Maggiore, completed the Trevi Fountain, and extended the Capitoline Museum.
Ferdinando Fuga’s fa�ade for Santa Maria Maggiore dates from 1741-43. It shows the influence of the recently completed fa�ade of the Lateran basilica, particularly in the loggia and the portico. The new fa�ade was set apart from the original one to allow a view of the mosaics.