Santa Maria in Vivario, Romanesque church in Frascati, Italy

Santa Maria in Vivario is a church in Frascati whose Romanesque bell tower was built in 1305 at the rear. The church, rebuilt in 1958 after the bombing of 8 September 1943, stands on the remains of a structure from the Roman villa attributed to Lucullus. Its underground crypt has been accessible since 1992.

The church rose around the 12th century over the remains of a structure from the Roman villa attributed to Lucullus. Restored in 1296, it was reconsecrated on 11 May 1495 after works funded by the Estouteville family, then feudal lords of Frascati. On 11 January 1538 it was consecrated cathedral of the diocese of Frascati, a title it held until 1680, when it passed to San Pietro. Destroyed by the bombing of 8 September 1943, it was rebuilt in 1958 and restored by 1962.

The church remains an active center of worship for the local community of Frascati. Visitors can observe how residents gather here for daily Mass and religious ceremonies, making it a living space of spiritual practice.

The interior can be quite dark, so visitors should allow their eyes time to adjust when looking at the artworks and architectural details. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the flooring is uneven in places throughout the building.

The Romanesque bell tower was built in 1305 at the rear of the church. In 1656, during the plague, two images of Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch were found near the church; on 28 January 1656 they were proclaimed protectors of Frascati, and the church was renamed in honour of Saint Roch, so both names coexist today.