Santa Aurea, Renaissance basilica in Ostia Antica, Italy
Santa Aurea is a Renaissance basilica in Ostia Antica with a single nave covered by a timber roof and lit by a rose window along with paired windows dating from the 15th century. The interior creates a clear, uncluttered space where natural light from these openings shapes how the building feels when you walk through it.
A cardinal ordered the church to be built in 1483, with work carried out by a prominent architect under the direction of a senior church official. The construction took place during a period when Rome was revitalizing its architectural traditions as a leading cultural and religious center.
The chapel dedicated to Saint Monica holds a painting by Pietro da Cortona showing her spiritual vision, and displays funeral monuments from earlier centuries. The space feels personal and reflects how this church served as a spiritual center for families and pilgrims over generations.
The church sits within Ostia Antica and is easily accessible, with the surrounding archaeological ruins providing a historical setting for exploration. Visitors should expect a straightforward visit that naturally aligns with the opening hours of the archaeological site.
The church holds the relics of Saint Asterius of Ostia and displays three important altarpieces made in the 17th century. These works of art reveal the spiritual importance that visitors have ascribed to this location across several generations.
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