Collegio Romano

Roman College was established by Ignatius of Loyola after the founding of the Society of Jesus (1534), to cover the whole school, from elementary studies at those universities. The Roman College was also the theater of the learned debates between Galileo and Segneri, master of oratory. Joseph Calandrelli founded the Astronomical Observatory of the College in 1787. As was endeavored Chapel Church of SS. Annunziata. In 1623, following the canonization of St. Ignatius of Loyola, it was decided to finance the construction of a large temple for the worship of the project of the Jesuit Orazio Grassi: the Church was consecrated in 1722, with the frescoed ceiling by Andrea Pozzo. The building looks like a vast complex consisting of two large colonnaded courtyards, large classrooms and the Library complex, the most notable of Rome. On the roof of the main building and the Church there are the Observatory headquarters, Calandrelli Tower, and Scientific Cabinets. In 1870, the building was first transformed into a barracks and then in high school-gymnasium named after Ennio Quirino Visconti. The Roman College was attributed to Bartolomeo Ammannati. The grandiose facade was designed by Paul Maruscelli and is divided into three parts: a central higher, with three floors, and two side. The central part has two magnificent portals. On the third floor there is a central clock and a balustrade on which rise a loggia with fairing for the bell and two kiosks in sundials. The courtyard has a loggia on two levels, with two lateral staircases.