The cloister of Bramante is a prominent element of the church (1500-1504), it was built by Bramante for Cardinal Oliviero Carafa.
The cloister is one of the most important works of the XVI century and was among the first Roman works designed by Bramante after the Milanese period.
The square plan is obtained by repeating a module equal to the width of the portico.
The first level on the ground floor presents an order of Ionic pilasters supporting an entablature with a continuous frieze, proper to order, with a concatenation of round arches set on wings, typical of classical Roman architecture.
On the second level there is an order of pseudo-Corinthian pilasters, which turn on the flanks in correspondence of the wings of the first level, with the insertion of free columns, of the same order, which double the pitch of the underlying arches.
Inside the portico the lunettes on the back wall are frescoed with Stories of the life of the Virgin Mary, to which are added episodes related to the church and the miraculous image.
The cloister is a typical place where it is possible visit temporary art exhibitions.
