Sacro Cuore di Gesù a Castro Pretorio, Minor basilica in Castro Pretorio, Rome, Italy.
Sacro Cuore di Gesù a Castro Pretorio is a Renaissance Revival basilica in Rome with three naves separated by granite columns, a transept, and a dome decorated with detailed frescoes and paintings. The interior space unfolds across a traditional basilica layout that guides the eye toward the altar.
Construction started in 1870 under Pope Pius IX but was interrupted when Rome became part of Italy. Saint John Bosco took over the project in 1880 and brought it to completion.
The basilica functions today as a key center for the Salesian community in Rome, where religious services and youth education programs continue to shape its daily rhythm. Local people and visitors experience it as a place where faith and educational work remain intertwined.
The basilica is located at Via Marsala 42 near Termini Station and welcomes visitors throughout the week for both prayer and sightseeing. The interior can be explored freely, though visiting outside of mass times may offer a quieter experience for observing the architectural details.
The rooms where Saint John Bosco stayed in 1887 remain preserved with personal belongings on display, including cotton containing his blood. These intimate spaces offer a rare window into the everyday life of this influential 19th-century saint.
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