Santa Maria della Rotonda, church : Albano Laziale, Italy
Santa Maria della Rotonda is a shrine featuring a square exterior with a circular interior plan, crowned by a dome pierced by a central opening. The building combines an uncommon layout where the round inner space contrasts distinctly with the exterior geometry.
The building stands on the remains of a first-century nymphaeum from Emperor Domitian's villa. It was later adapted as a spa for Second Parthian Legion officers before eventually being converted into a shrine.
The interior holds a Byzantine Madonna icon above the altar, displayed alongside fourteenth-century frescoes that depict the story of the true cross. These artworks show how religious imagery shaped devotion across different periods.
The church requires paid admission and visitors need to contact the Civic Museums beforehand to arrange access. It is best to plan your visit in advance to ensure the shrine is open for visitors.
The Roman marble fixtures incorporate third-century entablature fragments from the Severan military camp that once stood in this location. These ancient building stones were reused and remain visible within the structure today.
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