Sant'Andrea a Ponte Milvio

Sant'Andrea a Ponte Milvio is a small chapel near the Milvian Bridge with a simple rectangular shape. The interior is marked by four alabaster columns with Ionic capitals, and it holds a statue of Saint Andrew created in 1463.

The chapel was built in the 15th century following Pope Pius II's commemoration of Saint Andrew's head relic arriving in Rome in 1462. This religious occasion prompted the construction of this sanctuary at this historically important location.

The cemetery surrounding the building holds graves of foreign pilgrims who died during their journeys to Rome. The remains of many travelers are kept in an ossuary, telling the story of this place as a stop for believers making their way to the holy city.

The chapel is located at Via Flaminia 438 and serves as an auxiliary worship site for the Santa Croce parish. Visits are possible, but check ahead about opening times since it is a small place not always accessible to the public.

The original niche housing the saint's statue had to be rebuilt after lightning struck and destroyed it in 1866. This damage and the following restoration show how this small place was carefully maintained for pilgrims over the centuries.