Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, 5th-century minor basilica in Trastevere, Rome, Italy
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is a 5th-century early Christian church with a central nave and side aisles separated by marble columns. The interior displays baroque decorative elements including a gilded ceiling and marble finishes that create a formal, reverent atmosphere.
The church was originally founded in the 5th century and was later rebuilt by Pope Paschal I in 822. This reconstruction marked the transfer of Saint Cecilia's remains from the underground catacombs to this location.
The church is dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, whose presence shapes how people experience and use this space. Visitors come to reflect and pay respects to this figure who holds special meaning in Roman religious life.
The church is accessed through a modest entrance on a quiet street in the Trastevere neighborhood. Plan for limited interior space and wear respectful clothing when visiting this active place of worship.
Below the church lie ancient Roman mosaics and foundations of a Roman house thought to be Saint Cecilia's original home. These archaeological layers reveal how the sacred site was built upon centuries of earlier human habitation.
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