St. Stephen of the Abyssinians Church, Vatican, Vatican City State

St Stephen of the Abyssinians is a Roman Catholic church located in Vatican City. The church dedicated to Stephen the Protomartyr is the national church of Ethiopia. The liturgy is celebrated according to the Alexandrian rite of the Ethiopian Catholic Church. It is one of the only standing structures in the Vatican to survive the destruction of old St. Peter's basilica, and thus it is the oldest surviving church in Vatican City.

The church was, by tradition, built by Pope Leo I (ca. 400-461). It was rebuilt in 1159 under Pope Alexander III, who also built a monastery for Ethiopian monks next to it.

In 1479, Pope Sixtus IV restored the church and assigned it to the Coptic monks in the city. It was at this time that the name was changed to reflect that it was served by Ethiopians (Abyssinian). It was altered under Pope Gregory XI (1700-1721), and again in 1928.

The façade is in the style of the early 18th century. The 12th century doorway, decorated with the Lamb and the Cross, has been preserved. The church has a single nave with ancient columns along the sides. The most important work of art is a fresco of the Madonna with Child in the Roman style from the 15th century.

References:

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Religious sites in Vatican City State

User Reviews

Kshitij Tiwari (13 months ago)
Vatican City Church

Blake Howell (2 years ago)
I think my cousin Mr race ist lives here. Pretty fool cella if you ask me. Are you asking me? You might ask. Well to put it simple, you are asking me. You're the one who asked. If you have any issues with it, you can come and speak to my lawyer, Gaul soodman, and he will take your rights away because he no longer says that you have them. Anakin skywalker did not indeed survive order 66. Wait, yes he did. Obi Wan Kenobi ALMOST started the downfall of the empire. Personally, Thanos did not indeed take everything away from Gamora. What was that one thing he said? With great power comes. Yep, that's it. Comes. I think spinge bob shoved a cucumber down Patrick Bateman's mouth. The amount of times I've gone to press a and accidentally hit cPs lock. Man, kys. Sorry, I genuinely meant to say "it's"? I kid you not, that was legit by accident. "There are no accidents"-turtle. What was I saying? Oh yeah, that's right. So you remember that one time when that one thing happened and then that guy did that thing? Good times. Wish we could turn back time to tune good old days. Batman.

Praveenkumar Selvaraj (3 years ago)
One of the best place which I have visited till now. Amazing place. Free entry. Place is very big and it can accommodate thousands of people. This architecture is wonderful, it's too big and beautiful. Night time light settings also wonderful. You can take photo no restrictions. Water fountain is beautiful at night time. People are walking with pets as well. Restrooms are available. Christmas tree lighting was wonderful

Ron Vanvoorhis (3 years ago)
View from the top of the Vatican is well worth the 500 steps to the top! It is a little tight the closer you get so if closterphobic you might want to get up the courage first!

Brandon Taylor (4 years ago)
Well if you think you can keep it open ,lol I'm @Thrashuiii Twitter or my utube Dof Lucifer

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St. Stephen of the Abyssinians Church

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