Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio

Description:

• Founded in the 5th century, this church stands on ancient ruins. Its shape is unique and was probably inspired by the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Throughout the centuries stucco work, marble, mosaics, courtyards and three great arches were added. A series of frescoes with chilling scenes featuring the martyrdom of many saints decorate the walls. Their purpose was to 'instruct' novices leaving for missions, so they would know that they too could meet with the same fate. The Byzantine-style mosaics were commissioned under the papacy of Theodore and show St Primo and St Feliciano at the sides of a bejewelled cross.
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