Basilica of Saints John and Paul

Rome, Italy

The Basilica of Saints John and Paul on the Caelian Hill was built in 398 AD over the home of two Roman soldiers, John and Paul, martyred under the emperor Julian in 362. The church was thus called the Titulus Pammachii and is recorded as such in the acts of the synod held by Pope Symmachus in 499.

The church was damaged during the sack by Alaric I (410) and because of an earthquake (442), restored by Pope Paschal I (824), sacked again by the Normans (1084), and again restored, with the addition of a monastery and a bell tower.

The church has three naves, with pillars joined to the original columns. The altar is built over a bath, which holds the remains of the two martyrs. The apse is frescoed with Christ in Glory (1588) by Cristoforo Roncalli. Below this fresco are three paintings: a Martyrdom of St John, a Martyrdom of St Paul, and the Conversion of Terenziano (1726) by Giovanni Domenico Piastrini, Giacomo Triga, and Pietro Andrea Barbieri.

During excavations performed in the 19th century, a series of Ancient Roman rooms were discovered under the nave of the church. Some of these rooms date back to the first and fourth centuries AD. In one room an elegant third-century AD fresco depicting Proserpine and other divinities among cherubs in a boat can be found, as can traces of another marine fresco and mosaics in the window arches.

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Address

Clivo di Scauro, Rome, Italy
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Details

Founded: 398 AD
Category: Religious sites in Italy

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Krasen Kris (4 months ago)
An unique Basilica that offers unique experience. You can light up the chandeliers yourself and enjoy the atmosphere.
HERM PAZ (7 months ago)
Magnificent church off the tourist path, the interior displays some intrincate stone work. Very atmospherical.
Paolo Saccone (Touristic GUIDE) (10 months ago)
It is the church where Romans get married. 35 chandeliers. There is the tomb of St. Paul of the Cross. But naturally also that of the brothers S. Paolo and S. Giovanni.
Elvern Neylmav Tanny (11 months ago)
Nestled on the Caelian Hill, the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, often referred to as the "Church of the Chandeliers" because of its impressive hanging lamps, is an enchanting site. This ancient church, built over the houses of the Roman martyrs John and Paul, features intricate frescoes and a captivating underground Roman house that can be visited. Its quaint courtyard and the layers of history embedded in its walls offer a peaceful retreat and a fascinating journey through time, right in the heart of historic Rome.
Serena Marchionni (2 years ago)
Impressive Basilica built on the IV century on an ancient domus romana. Not only it has a beautiful inside chapel but outside there is Emperor Claudio old house and more historic features. Just amazing!!!
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