During C. IV Pope Silvestro I built this church on the place where Christians would gather up and pray since C. II. By this titulus Equitii Pope Simmaco (500) ordered the building of a basilica, dedicated to San Martino di Tours, apostle of Gallia. Restored by Pope Adriano I (772), it was rebuilt by Pope Sergio II (845), who used the columns from the previous basilica. The interior embodies a basilical plan and it is divided into three naves by twentyfour antique marble columns, with composed Corinthian capitals. The large middle nave is covered by a coffered ceiling, a choice of Cardinal Carlo Borromeo (1560). On the walls, one finds a series of frescoes by Gaspare Dughet that illustrate the countryside surrounding Rome during C.XVII. Accompanied by the sacristan, one may descend underneath the church, where one finds the ruins of Equitius’ home, rare example of a domestic church built in annexed structures to the thermal area of Traiano. Inside the church’s crypt one finds a mosaic depicting Pope Silvestro, dated C.VI.
Information
For the timetable of the masses and visiting conditions, please consult the contacts.
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Location
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