Santo Stefano Rotondo, Minor basilica in Monti district, Rome, Italy
Santo Stefano Rotondo is an early Christian church in Rome with a circular design and two concentric rings of columns surrounding a central altar. The interior layout creates a harmonious geometric arrangement, while the outer walls provide space for artwork.
The church was founded in the 5th century and has maintained its original circular form over many centuries. Over time, changes were made that reshaped the interior, yet the basic layout remained recognizable.
The church displays a series of wall paintings depicting scenes from early Christian times, created by artists in the 1500s. These images tell stories that remain visually striking for visitors today.
The church is typically accessible to visitors during daytime hours and can be explored on your own. The circular layout makes it easy to reach all areas on foot, and there is plenty of room for walking and viewing.
Beneath the church lies an ancient Roman shrine with preserved decorative features, uncovered during excavations. This underground layer shows how older religious sites were later incorporated into Christian buildings.
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