Il Bambino

Roman statue

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "Bambino" has two primary meanings. It can refer to a representation of the infant Christ, often used in religious contexts. Alternatively, it is an Italian word meaning "child" or "baby".1

In Rome, "Il Bambino" specifically refers to a wooden statue of the Christ Child housed in the church of Santa Maria d'Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill. This statue, originally from the 15th century (though a copy is now displayed), is invoked to save critically ill children. The Capitoline Hill itself is a significant historical site, once the citadel of ancient Rome and now home to the Capitoline Museums and the seat of Roman government, with a piazza designed by Michelangelo.2

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Rome
The Capitoline
…is the home of “Il Bambino,” a wooden statue (originally a 15th-century statue; now a copy) of the Christ Child, who is called upon to save desperately ill children.
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…is the home of “Il Bambino,” a wooden statue (originally a 15th-century statue; now a copy) of the Christ Child, who is called upon to save desperately ill children.
Read More