The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina is a wonderful treat, conveniently located in the northern part of the City. This titular church, built over a Roman apartment complex, houses the legendary grill upon which Saint Lawrence was martyred in 258. Though documented as early as the 4th century, the current structure features an 11th-century rebuild and a magnificent 17th-century Baroque interior under a golden coffered ceiling.

The church of Santi Cosma e Damiano sits right on the edge of the Roman Forum and is dedicated to two physician saints who were martyred under Diocletian in the year 287, when they were beheaded for their faith. They became tremendously well known, and, because of their work as doctors (medici), the Medici family in Florence embraced them. Perhaps the most curious aspect of the church is the location in the Roman forum.

San Sisto Vecchio honors Pope Sixtus II, who was martyred in 258 in the same persecution and orders which brought about the death of St. Laurence; Sixtus was the Pope, and Laurence was one of his deacons. He was laid to rest in the catacombs outside of Rome, and translated here to this church sometime in the 500s. To be clear, there is really no question of the veracity of the relics; shortly after his death his resting place was memorialized with a plaque, allowing for ea

On Tuesday, the Third Week of Lent we turn to one of the oldest churches in Rome, constructed between 140 and 155 AD. Santa Pudenziana is dedicated to one of the daughters of Pudens, a Roman who was converted and subsequently baptized by Peter in Rome. Typical of the oldest churches in Rome, this is a titular church, meaning it was built over the remains of a Roman home.

San Marco is among he oldest churches in Rome, and you may be surprised to hear that you have passed by it. If you have stood at the Wedding Cake and looked out at the Piazza Venezia, you have seen this church - without even noticing it! It shares a wall with the Palazzo Venezia, the headquarters of Mussolini's government, and faces the Wedding Cake Monument. The Piazza Venezia and the open space in front of the church of San Marco create a large open space together in the

On this day we return to San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence), one of seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, which were churches established for incoming pilgrims as "the" seven churches to visit on a pilgrimage. St. Laurence was a deacon of the church, an ally and associate to the pope, and was immensely popular in Rome. We have already visited the place of his martyrdom in the Church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna where the grill on which he was martyred is contained.

One of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere is also located in one of the most delightful areas of the city. Away from the crows of tourists that surround the Vatican or the Colosseum (but, to be clear, no less crowded), just on the other side of the Tiber river, you will find the area called Trastevere. The crowds here are more local and more interested in relaxing and enjoying their time in the city without any schedule or agenda.

The story of Saint Cecilia, from her conversion to where she is today, is one of the most touching in terms of her as an individual and most interesting for the development of churches in Rome. The story of Cecilia begins in the reign of the emperor, Septimius Severus (AD 193-211). Cecilia was a young woman of faith who was engaged to a Roman, Valerius. On their wedding day she converted him to Christianity, and he, subsequently, converted his brothers.

The church of Santa Balbina is a quiet, but relatively central section of Rome. Located within view of the Baths of Caracalla this church is relatively secluded, and surrounded by the unadorned brick ruins of ancient Rome. Simple in design and ornamentation, the story of Santa Balbina is a fascinating story and touches on a church we have visited previously in this Lenten church journey.

Within an easy walk of the Colosseum you will find the Basilica of San Clemente, a basilica which embodies all the layers of history in Rome. If you do not know what you are looking for, it would be easy to miss this fascinating church. The entrance to the church is through a portico that is walled on the outside, and, from the outside, it is a very plain wall at that. But this building has literal layers of history: The lower level consists of the remains of buildings fro

Today's church is a lovely church just south of the Colosseum. There are two items of note that are directly related to the evolution of the church. Pope Paschal I held the papacy from 817-824, just a few short years. In that time, however, he is credited for several building projects in Rome, including Santa Maria in Domnica. His image appears in the mosaic within the basilica, and, moreover, we will have an opportunity to meet with Pope Pascal I again.

The Basilica Santi Apostoli, located centrally in Rome near Piazza Venezia, holds the relics of St. Philip and St. James the Lesser, rediscovered in the late 1800s. Originally built in the mid-300s, the current structure is a result of multiple rebuilds, including an 1800s renovation. It was also Michelangelo's initial burial site before his body was moved to Florence.

If you are going through the Monti area in Rome, headed to Santa Maria Maggiore, you will likely walk down Via Panisperna. In doing so you will be forgiven for missing the church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, for it is hidden behind a wall! San Lorenzo was an incredibly popular saint, and, by all accounts, his fame was well deserved. The location of San Lorenzo's martyrdom is said to be at San Lorenzo in Panisperna, and the 'oven of San Lorenzo' is located below the church

Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the Esquiline Hill, just south of the Termini train station. The basilica dominates the hill and dominates the surrounding area; it is a massive, solid, structure. The structure that the viewer sees today - while heavily embellished, dates from the founding of the basilica in the early 400's! The most likely date places the construction of the church in the papacy of Sixtus III, 432-440. This church truly is a Roman Basilica.

Sant'Anastasia is a church in the heart of ancient Rome. It sits at the western end of the Circus Maximus within an easy walk of the Tiber River further west, and the Roman Forum to the east. It is at the foot of the Palatine Hill, which gives it the appellation, 'al Palatino'. Founded in the early 300's, it was an important church in the early days of the church in Rome. In fact, for centuries Lent began here, with the Pope himself applying the ashes to the faithful.

On the first Sunday of Lent, we visit the Cathedral of Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano. Dedicated in 324 by Pope Sylvester I, this church is the seat of the Bishop of Rome and sits on land dedicated by Constantine.

Just steps from Piazza Navona lies Sant’Agostino, a Renaissance masterpiece built with travertine scavenged from the Colosseum. This church is a study in classical proportion, mirroring Alberti’s work in Florence while directly echoing the Pantheon’s famous inscription. Inside, you will find Caravaggio’s stir-causing Madonna of Loreto, Raphael’s Michelangelo-inspired Prophet Isaiah, and the tomb of Santa Monica. Join me as we explore this station church where high art meet

The church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is a highlight of the Lenten station churches, sitting directly atop ancient Roman homes. Walking up the Clivus Scauri under medieval brick buttresses, visitors can enter the Case Romane to see original wall paintings before stepping into the "wedding church" above. With its Pantheon-style coffered ceiling and exquisite marble floors, this basilica offers a stunning look at how the Rome of the Church was built upon the Rome of Antiquity.

Santa Sabina, completed in 432 on the Aventine Hill, perfectly bridges the Rome of Antiquity with the Rome of the Church. This magnificent basilica features classic Roman brickwork and Corinthian columns reminiscent of the Roman Forum. Built over the home of the martyr Saint Sabina, the church is a masterful example of early Christian architecture. Join me as we explore this ancient site, its history, and the beautiful park overlooking the Tiber and St. Peter’s.