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.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Clivo di Scauro, Rome, Italy
See all sites in Rome

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!!!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.