Sant'Eligio degli Orefici, church
Sant'Eligio degli Orefici is a Renaissance church in Rome with a Greek cross floor plan and a dome supported by four central pillars. Eight windows positioned above the dome flood the interior with light.
The guild of goldsmiths and silversmiths commissioned construction in 1509 after Pope Julius II approved building on Via Giulia. The church arose during a period when Rome was undergoing major papal urban redesign.
The interior displays frescoes by Matteo da Lecce and Taddeo Zuccari from 1575, showing religious scenes across the walls. These artworks shape how the church looks today and reflect the artistic decoration choices of the Renaissance period.
The interior is accessible to visitors for viewing, though note that the marble floor from 1864 incorporates salvaged materials from elsewhere and creates its own visual character. Allow time to explore the geometric layout at a relaxed pace.
Raphael participated in designing this church, making it a notable work by the artist known primarily for his contributions to Saint Peter's Basilica. Few visitors realize the master was involved with this project.
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