Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo

What secrets lie hidden beneath the grandeur of the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo? While the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo might seem modest from the outside, don’t be fooled. This basilica, nestled on the Caelian Hill, is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Its history dates back to the 5th century, during the reign of Pope Simplicius. The basilica was a tribute to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr whose remains had been recently brought from the Holy Land. Step inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo and you’ll be greeted by a sight rarely seen in church architecture: a perfect circle. The Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo is unique for its circular design. This design was quite unusual for religious buildings of that time, making the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo a pioneer in a way. This Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo wasn’t always as you see it today. In the 12th century, Pope Innocent II decided to make some changes. He added the grand entrance portico that you passed through and those impressive arches that seem to hold the sky up. But look closer, and you’ll find another layer to the basilica’s story. Beneath the beauty of the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, beneath the marble and mosaics, lies a secret. The remnants of a 2nd-century Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the mysterious Mithras, were discovered. This clandestine cult was particularly popular amongst Roman soldiers, and its presence here speaks to the rich tapestry of history on this very ground. The Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo stands as a symbol of enduring faith that has withstood the test of time.