St Andrew's Church, Rome, Presbyterian church near Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, Italy.
St Andrew's Church is a Church of Scotland congregation at Via XX Settembre 7, about halfway between Piazza della Repubblica and the Palazzo del Quirinale. The four-level building is set back from the street behind an enclosed forecourt; the church occupies the whole ground floor, with offices, a manse and a roof terrace above. Its exterior resembles the government ministries on the same street.
The congregation formed in the 1860s near Spanish Steps, and the current building was completed in 1885 at its location between two important city structures. The building's design reflected the architectural requirements imposed by local authorities at the time.
The Church of Scotland calls its communion table rather than an altar, since communion is seen as a sacrament, not a sacrifice. The pulpit bears the Burning Bush emblem from Exodus, also carved above the main door. Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, mother of Queen Elizabeth II, attended the dedication of the baptismal font and lectern, gifts commemorating Scottish regiments that fought in Italy and Sicily in World War II.
The building sits on Via XX Settembre and is easily accessible by public transport that serves central Rome. It is worth checking ahead or calling to confirm timing for services and activities, as schedules may vary throughout the week.
Planning permission was granted only on condition that the building not look like a church from outside, so it resembles the Italian government ministries on the same street. The church occupies the whole ground floor; above are offices, a manse and a roof terrace with views over Vatican City. Italian military intelligence once occupied the second and third floors.
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