Santa Maria in Vivario

Santa Maria in Vivario is a Romanesque church in Frascati with three naves divided by stone columns topped with carved marble capitals. The interior displays religious artworks and decorative frescoes throughout the space.

The church was built upon the remains of an ancient Roman villa that once functioned as a plant nursery. It served as Frascati's first cathedral and developed into an important religious center over the following centuries.

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 bell tower features distinctive glazed tiles in multiple colors that stand out against the stone architecture. The adjacent plaza includes an octagonal fountain dating to the 15th century, a gift to the community from a church patron.