Santa Maria dell'Anima
The church of Santa Maria dell'Anima, founded in the 14th century, was the church of the Holy Roman Empire in Rome and is today the national church of the German-speaking world. The oldest mention of the church dates back to 1389. In the 15th century, Santa Maria dell'Anima became a hospital for all inhabitants of the Holy Roman Empire who visited Rome. A lay brotherhood was also active, of which prominent citizens of the Holy Roman Empire residing in Rome became members, including William of Orange's eldest son, Philip William. Today, after bitter disputes, both the Belgians and the Dutch have a representative on the board. The church itself is now used exclusively as a parish for the German-speaking people of Rome. Since 1992, the Dutch have had the so-called Frisian Church (San Michaele dei Frisoni) at their disposal, in the immediate vicinity of St. Peter's Basilica.
