Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Romanesque church in Piazza delle Erbe, Mantua, Italy
The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is a circular church in Piazza delle Erbe in Mantua with brick walls, two marble columns, and a separate upper gallery. The building sits below street level and maintains the round-plan structure typical of a rotunda.
The building was constructed in 1083 under the rule of Matilda of Tuscany on the foundations of a former Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. This early Romanesque construction shows how new Christian structures were built on sacred sites from antiquity.
The interior walls display Byzantine frescoes from the 11. century, including a 15. century fragment depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. These artworks tell of the religious devotion that has shaped this place over the centuries.
Entry to the church requires descending stairs below street level to reach the interior. Opening times depend on volunteer availability, so visitors should confirm access beforehand.
The circular design replicates the layout of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, making it a rare architectural reference in northern Italy. This feature makes the church a special example of pilgrimage-inspired church architecture from the 11th century.
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