which commands a magnificent view of Rome, its surroundings, and the
windings of the Tiber. The church was erected by Ferdinand and
Isabella of Spain, and is still under the protection of the crowned
head of Spain. In the court of the monastery is a small temple formed
of sixteen Doric columns, said to be erected over the spot where the
cross on which S. Peter was executed stood. Raphael's Transfiguration
was painted for this church, whence it was taken by the French to
adorn the Louvre. On its restoration to the Papal authorities it was
placed in the Vatican. The tomb of Beatrice Cenci is to our left of
the high altar, but no name is recorded on the stone. The new Spanish
Academy adjoins the church.