Restoration of Rome's Twin Churches Reveals Color Mismatch in Cupolas

The twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto in Piazza del Popolo, Rome, are no longer identical after restoration work on Santa Maria dei Miracoli resulted in a different cupola color. The cupola of Santa Maria dei Miracoli now appears gray-blue, while that of Santa Maria in Montesanto remains yellowish. The churches were originally designed by architect Carlo Rainaldi in the mid-17th century, with later interventions by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Fontana. The restoration of Santa Maria dei Miracoli began two years ago with funding of over €230,000, while Santa Maria in Montesanto underwent work in 2013 costing nearly €500,000, plus additional funding from Bonduelle for interior restorations. The color discrepancy has sparked debate, with the Vicariate of Rome, the Soprintendenza, and the commissioning church all acknowledging the issue. The Soprintendenza states that the gray-blue color is historically correct, reflecting the 18th-century "color of the air" used by Fontana, and that the yellow hue on Santa Maria in Montesanto resulted from a temporary, provisional intervention due to limited funds. The Soprintendenza hopes future work will restore the original color to Santa Maria in Montesanto.