The basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is so named because it was built on the foundations of a temple to Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom.
The church was begun in 1280 and is the only Gothic church in Rome. Through the centuries, architectural modifications and redecorations between the 16th and 20'th centuries have changed it,
but it its magnificence still is impressive. The plain facade dates from the 17th c., but the nave interior (shown above)
with its pointed arches has its rich Gothic decoration, which is a 19th c. restoration in the true Gothic style.

Michelangelo's "Christ Bearing the Cross" (1521) is only one of the notable works of art housed in the church. (Some authorities dispute the attribution to the artist.)
Fra Angeilico is buried in the church for which he created the altar painting of the Virgin for the Frangipane Chapel.
TheCarafa Chapel is decorated with frescoes of the Assumption of the Virgin by Filippino Lippi.

The church also contains tombs of notables such as St. Catherine of Siena and monuments to the Medici Popes Leo X and Clement VII.