Initially a church titled Sant'Antonio Abate in Augusta was located on the site, which was previously owned by the Colona family. Construction of the church was begun in 1633 for a Discalced Augustinian order, with designs by Carlo Buzio. The structure was completed by 1635, and consecrated the next year to Jesus and Mary. Later the architect Carlo Rainaldi was commissioned to design the simple travertine facade and ornamented Baroque interiors, including the main altar. From 1678 to 1690, the expensive and ornate marble interior decoration was installed under the patronage of Giorgio Bolognetti, bishop of Rieti. From the 18th through 19th centuries, the church belonged to the Jesuit order. The church was reconsecrated the next year as recalled by an inscription in the sacristy.
Interior
The vault and the main altarpiece, depicting a Coronation of the Virgin, are painted by Giacinto Brandi. Stucco work was by Gramignoli and Monsu Michele. The church entrance to the sacristy has frescoes by Giovanni Lanfranco. Other paintings in the sacristy are by Padre Matteo di San Alessio from Palermo. The main altarpiece, Charity of St Thomas of Villanova was painted by Felice Ottini. On the left side of the church are chapels dedicated to St Thomas of Villanova, St Joseph, and to the Madonna of Divine Help. It contains funeral monuments for Ercole and Luigi Bolognetti, brothers of bishop Giorgio Bolognetti, whose monument is present further down along the nave. On the right side of the church are chapels dedicated to the Crucifixion, St Nicholas of Tolentino, and St Anne. This side contains funeral monuments dedicated to Pietro and Francesco Bolognetti, and to Mario Bolognetti. By the entrance, the first funeral monuments on the right were for members of the Corno family, including a Monument to Giulio del Corno made by Ercole Ferrata and Domenico Guidi, pupils of Bernini. The first chapel on the right has the bust of Sig. Bolognetti by Francesco Aprile. The second chapel has a painting of San Nicola by Basilio Francese and sculptures by Cavallini. The third chapel has a Sant'Antonio Abate painted by Girolamo Pesci. The main chapel has a painting by Giacinto Brandi. The statues in niches of St John the Baptist and St John Evangelist are by Giuseppe Mazzuoli, while the angel statues are by Paolo Naldini and Francesco Cavallini. Other works in the church are by Lorenzo Ottoni, Monsu Michele Maglia and Giovanni Antonio Lelli.
