San Silvestro in Palatio, building in Rome, Italy
Welcome to the San Silvestro Oratory, a Catholic place of worship located in the Monti district of Rome, inside the Sanctuary of the Scala Santa al Laterano. This oratory is built on the site of a pre-existing one, dedicated to Pope Silvester I, which was built by Theodore I, decorated with paintings and mosaics by Pope Zacharias, and enriched by Leo IV in the 9th century. This oratory was located intra episcopium lateranensem, that is, inside the episcopal palace of the Bishop of Rome. When in the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V had the architect Domenico Fontana build the new episcopal palace, the ancient San Silvestro oratory was demolished. In the new palace, next to the chapel of San Lorenzo in Palatio, a new oratory was built, which took the name of the pre-existing one. It is connected to the Sancta Sanctorum through a door that opens on the left of the altar, where there are two powerful bronze doors, dating back to the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th century. Upon entering the oratory, you will notice the rich decoration that adorns the vault of the chapel, with the representation of the Trinity at the center, the Doctors of the Church, and the image of the celestial glory with angels, saints, and allegorical figures. On the left altar, there is a depiction of Saint Lawrence by Franchi. Behind the presbytery, you will find the Tamburini pipe organ opus 271, from 1948. To access the oratory, you must take the extreme right ramp of the Scala Santa. The Scala Santa is a set of 28 marble steps that were brought from Jerusalem to Rome by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. These steps are said to be the same ones that Jesus Christ climbed on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate. Visiting the San Silvestro Oratory is a unique experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and art of Rome. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful place of worship during your stay in the Eternal City.
Location: Rome
Architectural style: baroque architecture
Source: Wikimedia
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The Triclinium Leoninum is an ancient structure located near the Vatican.
The Sancta Sanctorum is a chapel located within the Lateran Palace complex.
The Vatican Historical Museum showcases objects related to the history of the Papal States and the pontificate.
The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is the cathedral church of Rome and serves as the seat of the Roman Pontiff.
The Lateran Palace, also known as the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran, is one of the most important Roman palaces since ancient times.
The pipe organs of San Giovanni in Laterano are among the oldest and most renowned in Rome.
