Santa Maria in via Lata is a Church on the via del Corso (in the past – the via Lata in Rome, steps from Church of San Marcello al Corso. The legend says that the Apostle Paul spent two years in the crypt under the Church, while under house arrest awaiting trial.

The first Christian Church on the site was the oratory of the 5th century (consecrated building used for religious rituals by a certain group of persons). It was built on the ruins of a large Roman stock, which reached 250 m in length. The upper floor of the Church was built in the 9th century and the wall paintings dated lower level 7-8 centuries. For the same period is preserved mosaic floors in the style of cosmatesque.

In the Church of Santa Maria in via Lata contains the icon of the 13th century depicting the virgin Mary, who is credited with various miracles. And under the icon contains the remains of the Martyr St. Agapit (3 century). Another notable grave belongs to Antonio Tibaldo, poet and friend of Raphael, who was buried in the North aisle of the Church in 1537. However, the tomb was decorated only in 1776.

In 1639, the Church building was renovated under the project, Cosimo Fanzago, but the facade with its imposing Corinthian columns was completed in 1658-1660, with the participation of Pietro da Cortona. Inside Santa Maria in via Lata, one can see the throne with "Madonna's Lawyer" - one of the few paintings attributed to Bernini. The tabernacle (the temple) in the apse is made of alabaster and lapis-lazuli. In addition, the Church is the work of Giacinto brandi ("the Martyrdom of St. Andrew"), Giuseppe Ghezzi ("Saints Giuseppe and Nicola Biagio") and other artists of the 17th century. The altar is also decorated with marble bas-relief work of Cosimo Fancelli.