Santi Quattro Coronati: A Little Gem to be Discovered in Rome

There are a multitude a treasures to discover in Rome that a lifetime of exploring is not enough. Take for instance the medieval monastery of Santi Quattro Coronati. It was here during World War II that cloistered nuns opened the inviolable precincts to shelter persecuted Jews and opponents of Nazi Fascism.

On the slopes of the Caelian Hill, just a few minutes walk from the Coliseum, there is an imposing fortress-like building: the 1000-year old basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati. The peace and tranquility of another age dwell in this beautiful place. Passing the entrance tower, you are lead into a medieval atmosphere, one of a country ambiance and an unexpected world of silence.

There is plenty to be admired in the complex of Santi Quattro Coronati:

• The basilica was dedicated to the four – quattro soldiers of emperor Diocletian martyred because they refused to worship pagan gods.
• The monastery of the nuns that was often used as a refuge for popes escaping conspiracies and as a hospice for important visitors to the papal court during medieval times.
• The chapel of Saint Sylvester, with its remarkably well-preserved, 750-year-old fresco paintings, has a tremendous narrative appeal. They illustrate stories of Saint Sylvester, a pope in the 300s, and of Constantine, the first Christian emperor who, according to the tradition, entrusted temporal authority over Rome to the pope. When admiring these frescoes it is easy to understand the powerful role images played in making the papal position more alluring.
• The 13^th century cloister and its virtually untouched garden with a rustic fountain are exquisite.

Click here to book a tour that includes Santi Quattro Coronati on your trip to Rome.

Before your next trip to Rome, make sure to contact Italy Perfect and we can help find the best apartment for your needs. Email us at [email protected] or call toll free in North America at 1-888-308-6123.This article about Santi Quattro Coronati was written by our excellent guide Cristina, whom we highly recommend to our Italy Perfect guests.

Posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 at 8:23 am in Rome. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.