Santi Quaranta Martiri e San Pasquale Baylon, Rome, church building in Rome, Italy
Santi Quaranta Martiri e San Pasquale Baylon is a Baroque church in Trastevere with a single nave flanked by three side chapels on each side. The interior is marked by an ornate dome decorated with religious frescoes throughout its surface.
The church was founded in 1122 by Pope Callixtus II and underwent major reconstruction in 1736 under architect Giuseppe Sardi. King Philip V of Spain provided patronage during this restoration period, leaving a notable mark on the building's development.
The church displays a painting of the Forty Martyrs above its main altar and features a dome fresco showing Saint Paschal in glory. These artworks shape how the interior looks and tell the stories of the holy figures to whom the building is dedicated.
The church is open to visitors most days and allows exploration of its architectural features and religious artworks. Try visiting in the morning or early afternoon when there are fewer people and natural light better illuminates the interior details and decorative elements.
Local tradition links Saint Paschal with the creation of zabaglione, a dessert made from eggs and Marsala wine originally called sanbaion. This surprising connection between a holy figure and an Italian culinary classic shows how this place's history extends into everyday aspects of Roman life.
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