The first records of the church date back to the 7th century. The origin of the name in Cyro with which it is remembered from the 12th century is uncertain. In 1540, Paul III granted it to the Confraternity of Orphans. The present church was built between 1588 and 1620 according to a design by Francesco da Volterra first and Carlo Maderno later.
The façade, designed by Maderno, was later completed in 1774 by Pietro Camporese the Elder. The lower part has three portals surmounted by tympanums, the upper part a large window with two bell towers on either side and a triangular tympanum to crown it.
The rectangular interior has three naves with three chapels on each side and owes its decoration mainly to Cesare Mariani who worked on it during the 1866 restoration. The church also houses the oldest painting dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes, which dates back to 1873.
In the apse is a 14th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child with St Stephen.
Information
For the timetable of the masses and visiting conditions, please consult the contacts.
Location
To find out about all accessibility services, visit the Rome accessible section.