The church of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto in Guidonia, between rationalism and tradition
The intricate building process of the church of Beata Vergine of Loreto in Guidonia not only caused a delay
in construction compared to the other buildings of the city of foundation, but deeply affected the design
which underwent a series of changes before the final solution. The church, since the earliest planimetric
hypotheses for the city, is placed on a hill because it was designed by its architect, Giorgio Calza Bini, as
a «National Air Force ‘Memorial’». While adopting a rationalist language, the church, as well as the other
public buildings and the urban plan of Guidonia, draws its deep origin from tradition. The model is that
of the historic city that grows around the sacred building, accentuating its value as a religious symbol in a
counterpoint with the secular pole, represented by the town square.
