Santi Quaranta e San Pasquale Baylon

Their sacrifice echoes through time. The Santi Quaranta e San Pasquale Baylon stands as a testament to forty Roman soldiers who refused to renounce their Christian faith. Pope Callixtus II laid the foundation for this church in 1122. It was originally dedicated solely to these forty martyrs. They were condemned to die on a frozen lake in Sebaste during the reign of Emperor Licinius. The church we see today, however, underwent a dramatic transformation in the 18th century. The Discalced Friars Minor, a branch of the Franciscan order, purchased it in 1736. Under their guidance, and with the support of King Philip V of Spain, architect Giuseppe Sardi reconstructed the church. They rededicated it to both the Forty Martyrs and to a Spanish friar, San Pasquale Baylon. Canonized in 1690, Baylon holds a special place as the patron saint of cooks and pastry chefs. He’s even credited with a rather unique distinction. Legend claims he invented the Italian dessert Zabaglione, initially called “San Bayon” in his honor! This association with Baylon led the Santi Quaranta e San Pasquale Baylon to be known as the “church of the spinsters.” Unmarried women, seeking husbands, would come here to pray to him for his intercession. The church’s brick facade still bears the marks of its Spanish patronage. Look for the heraldic shield of Philip V. It served as a reminder of the protection the Spanish crown provided, saving it from being seized by the Italian government in 1870. Inside you’ll find a captivating blend of art and history. The ceiling boasts magnificent frescoes by Matteo Panaria. These depict scenes like the “Glory of San Pedro de Alcantara” and the “Glory of San Pascual.” As you explore the Santi Quaranta e San Pasquale Baylon, take a moment to reflect. Reflect on the enduring power of faith, the echoes of empires, and the unexpected ways history intertwines with the everyday.