San Pancrazio, Minor basilica in Gianicolense district, Rome, Italy
San Pancrazio is a basilica in the Gianicolense district that combines early and Baroque architecture on the site of an ancient Christian sanctuary. The interior features a wooden coffered ceiling with religious frescoes from the 17th century, while beneath the structure lie catacombs containing burial chambers from the early Christian period.
A pope established the basilica around the year 500 at a burial site to honor an early martyr whose cult was already venerated in the late ancient city. Later Baroque modifications changed its exterior form, while the foundations and catacombs below preserve the original function as a memorial sanctuary.
The basilica functions as both a titular church and parish, with Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera currently serving as the Cardinal Priest.
Access to the basilica is from the hilltop location, and visitors should know that the catacombs beneath the church have limited visiting hours and are partly explored on foot. The stairs leading underground require good mobility, so it is best to check current conditions before your visit.
Beneath the building lies a Greek inscription containing a very early form of the word for a follower of Christ, written by someone buried during a period of intense Christian persecution. This text is among the oldest written evidence of how believers named themselves.
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