Visit one of Rome’s most unique basilicas !
Behind an ancient wall and nestled in a secluded garden lies one of the most unique churches in Rome: the church of Santo Stefano Rotondo. Dating back to the late 400’s (CE), the church is respected as the oldest church with a circular floor plan in Rome as well as the Hungarian national church.
Thought to be constructed along the curve of the Macellum Magnum, Emperor Nero’s marketplace, the church may actually have been inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Its flat exterior belies a circular plan, unusual for any church and especially one built in the mid 5th century. The building is preceded by a portico containing five granite arches with Corinthian capitals.
The church is located on the Celio Hill, near the Monti neighborhood, and can be accessed from one of the many vaults of Nero’s expansion of the Claudian aqueduct that is surrounded by the Roman walls. Most visitors make the less than 10 minute walk from the Colosseum traveling up the via Claudia until finding the ruins of the Neronian aqueduct.
Santo Stefano Rotondo is one of the most requested churches for weddings in Rome due to its intimate and peaceful interior. The central nave and altar are encircled by columns with seats bordering the entirety of the nave, however, the most fascinating parts of the church are to be found far from the center of the rotunda.
There are 34 frescoes that decorate the interior walls and the depictions are far more gruesome than visitors would expect. The frescoes depict scenes of martyrdom, including somewhat gnarly images of the torture of well-known martyrs of Christianity.
The scenes were frescoed on the interior wall at the end of the 16th century and each painting has an inscription explaining the scene and giving the name of the emperor who ordered the execution, as well as a quotation from the Bible. The drastic contrast between the serene feeling of the church with the violent artwork lining the walls makes Santo Stefano Rotondo incredibly unique.
Entrance to Chiesa di Santa Stefano Rotondo is entirely free and the site is open all days but Monday. Be sure to stop by this unique and ancient chapel on your next trip to Monti, the Colosseum, or the Roman Forum!
Address
Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo 7
Winter Hours
Tue-Sun 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm
Summer Hours
Tue-Sun 10am-1pm, 3:30pm-6:30pm
