San Nicola da Tolentino agli Orti Sallustiani

San Nicola da Tolentino agli Orti Sallustiani is a 17th-century church in Rome, standing near the site of the ancient Horti Sallustiani gardens. Built in 1599 for Discalced Augustinians, it was originally dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, a 13th-century Augustinian friar. In 1883, Pope Leo XIII transferred the church to the Pontifical Armenian College, though it remains in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The church’s interior reflects major artistic contributions from leading figures of the period. Carlo Buti and Martino Longhi oversaw early refurbishments, while later rebuilding involved Giovanni Maria Baratta under the patronage of the Pamphilj family. The high altar was designed by Alessandro Algardi, and the dome frescoes were completed by Pietro Paolo Baldini, depicting virtues of the Augustinian Order. Visitors find a richly decorated interior with altarpieces by Baciccio and Domenico Guidi, and stucco work by Ercole Ferrata. The Gavotti chapel features frescoes by Pietro da Cortona and Ciro Ferri, while the dome displays frescoes of female angels symbolising Augustinian virtues. A memorial to Saint Gregory the Illuminator includes his cardinal’s hat hanging from the ceiling.