San Lorenzo in Damaso, Minor basilica in Parione district, Rome, Italy
San Lorenzo in Damaso is a minor basilica in central Rome that sits within the Palazzo della Cancelleria building and is organized by three naves divided by square pillars. A five-sided vestibule serves as the entry point and connects the sacred interior to the surrounding palace structure.
Pope Damasus I established the first church at this location around 380, building it directly into his personal residence and creating a foundation that would last for centuries. The structure underwent various renovations and expansions over time to meet the demands of different eras.
The church takes its name from Pope Damasus, and visitors can see how Renaissance and Baroque artists contributed their finest work to this sacred space. The artworks on display reflect the role this place held for worshippers across many generations.
Entry to the basilica is through entrance number 1 at Piazza della Cancelleria on the right side of the palace, making it straightforward to locate. The interior layout with its multiple sections is easy to navigate, and the spaces feel comfortable and open for visitors to move through.
Beneath this church lie the remains of a Roman mithraeum, an underground temple from ancient times, discovered during excavations between 1988 and 1991. This hidden layer reveals how Rome built itself over the ruins of its own history across many centuries.
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