San Sebastiano al Palatino, church
San Sebastiano al Palatino is a baroque church positioned on Palatine Hill with plain exterior walls and minimal ornamentation. The interior follows a straightforward design that emphasizes space and form over decoration.
The building replaced a first-century Roman temple and was reconstructed in 1624 by the Barberini family in its current baroque form. This 17th-century transformation established the structure that visitors see today.
The simple interior creates a reflective space for visitors seeking quiet contemplation within the sacred setting. Locals and pilgrims use the church as a place for personal prayer and meditation away from the busy Forum below.
You can reach the church through Via Bonaventura from the Forum, and its location offers views of the Colosseum and nearby ancient structures. The placement makes it easy to visit alongside a broader exploration of Palatine Hill.
The site marks where Saint Sebastian survived his first attempted martyrdom by arrows during Diocletian's rule. This early Christian history connects the physical structure to a pivotal moment in religious tradition.
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