Santa Susanna, Baroque church near Diocletian Baths, Rome, Italy
Santa Susanna is a Baroque church located on Via 20 Settembre near the Diocletian Baths in Rome. The building has a symmetrical facade with paired columns, decorative niches, and sculptural details designed by the architect Carlo Maderno in 1603.
The church stands on the site of an ancient Roman house from the 3rd century, connected to the story of an early Christian martyr. The building was reconstructed and decorated with Baroque artistic elements during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The name references an early Christian martyr, and her story is told through frescoes inside the church that visitors see as they walk through the space. These paintings have shaped how people understand this place and its significance for the local faith community.
The interior is straightforward to walk through and the church sits conveniently on a main street near other notable places. Visitors should be aware that access may be limited during services and appropriate dress is expected.
Since 1922, the church has served as the national parish for American Catholics in Rome, with services held in English. This role has made it a distinctive meeting place for English-speaking visitors and worshippers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
