Basilica of Santa Prassede
What to See If you want to visit this place, here is some useful information about it.
The Basilica of Santa Prassede is a true hidden treasure that deserves to be discovered during your visit. This magnificent basilica is filled with artistic and architectural treasures that will surely captivate you.
As you enter the basilica, you will be immediately dazzled by the gorgeous mosaics that adorn the walls and ceilings. The mosaics primarily date back to the 9th century and depict biblical scenes, saints, and angels in vibrant colors. Every detail is meticulously crafted, creating a spiritual and enchanting atmosphere.
One of the main attractions of the Basilica of Santa Prassede is the famous Chapel of Saint Zeno. This small chapel is adorned with mosaics that tell the story of the Passion of Christ. The mosaics in the chapel are considered one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine art in Rome.
In addition to the mosaics and chapels, the Basilica of Santa Prassede also houses other artistic treasures such as ancient icons and remarkable sculptures. Every corner of the basilica reveals astonishing details and a rich history that testifies to the faith and creativity of the artists of that time.
Tips I'm sharing all my tips here for visiting this place under the best conditions.
Arrive Early to Avoid the Crowd
To make the most of your visit to the Basilica di Santa Prassede, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning. This way, you can avoid the tourist crowds and fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this sacred place.
Respect the Dress Code
Make sure to adhere to the appropriate dress code when visiting the basilica. Wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, as it is a religious place of worship where decency and respect are important.
Consider a Guided Tour
For a more enriching experience, consider participating in a guided tour of the basilica. A professional guide can provide you with interesting information about the history, architecture, and artworks present, allowing you to appreciate your visit better.
Explore Ancient Treasures Near Basilica Santa Prassede
- Palazzo Massimo of the National Roman Museum: After enjoying the splendor of Basilica Santa Prassede, immerse yourself in the world of art and history by visiting the Palazzo Massimo, one of the components of the National Roman Museum. Admire sculptures, frescoes, and ancient objects that will tell you the fascinating history of Rome. Book here for an unforgettable experience.
- Diocletian's Baths of the National Roman Museum: Don't miss the opportunity to discover the Diocletian's Baths, also part of the National Roman Museum and located nearby. Explore these ancient Roman baths and imagine daily life during Roman times. Book here for a journey into the past.
The National Roman Museum consists of four sites: Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, Diocletian's Baths, and Crypta Balbi.
Information Here are all the useful information about this place (address, opening hours, coordinates, etc.).
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History Every place has its history. Discover all the events that have marked this place here.
The Fiery History of the Basilica di Santa Prassede
The Basilica di Santa Prassede, what a marvel! This Roman minor basilica is located in the Monti district, on via di Santa Prassede, just a stone's throw away from the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Its devotion is dedicated to Saint Praxedes, a Roman saint known for her bravery and faith.
A Glorious Foundation
In the year 491, a plaque reveals the existence of a titulus Praxedis. This titulus evokes the tribulations of the family of Senator Pudens, who according to tradition was one of the first converts to Christianity in Rome by the Apostle Paul. Alongside Pudens, his daughters Pudentiana and Praxedes also converted.
Pudens owned a villa, the remains of which are found nine meters below the current basilica. It was there that he hid the persecuted Christians, including the Apostle Peter, according to some sources. When Pudens was martyred, Praxedes and Pudentiana, with the approval of Pope Pius I, built a baptistery around 142/145 to baptize new believers. Praxedes and Pudentiana themselves were martyred during the persecutions under Antoninus Pius.
A Divine Renaissance
After the death of Pudentiana, Praxedes used her family's wealth to erect a church sub titulo Praxedis. She hid numerous persecuted Christians there and collected the bodies of the martyrs discovered and buried in the catacombs of Priscilla on the Via Salaria, where she herself would rest alongside her sister and father.
The Liber Pontificalis indicates that around 780, Pope Adrian I completely renovated what remained of the titulus Praxedis. As for the current church, it is the result of the renovation undertaken by Pope Paschal I in 817. He built a new building to replace the old one, which had become dilapidated. The new church, adorned with magnificent mosaics, was designed to house the relics of the buried martyrs from the cemetery of Priscilla. By the 9th century, the church had so melded into the surrounding buildings that its facade is no longer visible from the street, a characteristic that persists to this day.
A Moving Heritage
In the mid-12th century, the church was entrusted to the regular canons of Santa Maria del Reno from Bologna. However, their management of the entire architectural complex left much to be desired. Pope Celestine III, at the end of the century, was therefore compelled to remove this responsibility from them. His successor, Pope Innocent III, in 1198, entrusted the basilica to the monks of the Vallombrosa Abbey, who still own it. During the first half of the 13th century, the structures of the nave were strengthened with the addition of three large arches and six imposing pillars. A bell tower was also erected at this time, occupying part of the left transept. Towards the end of the century, probably due to the asymmetry of the transept, the chapel known today as the Capella del Crocifisso was added in the opposite transept.
Over the centuries, further interventions have been carried out inside the church at the request of various titular cardinals of the basilica. Among these benefactors are Cardinal Antonio Gentile Pallavicino, who reconstructed the presbytery area; Charles Borromeo, who restored the access stairs, the central portal, and the sacristy, and opened eight large windows in the central nave (there were 24 during the time of Pope Paschal I); Alessandro de' Medici, who commissioned the decoration of the nave; and finally, Cardinal Lodovico Pico della Mirandola, who, in the early 18th century, in accordance with the Roman Synod of 1725, conducted research on the ancient relics, leading to a new intervention in the presbytery area and the reconstruction of the crypt.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, various interventions were carried out to uncover the medieval structures by eliminating later additions. Thus, in 1918, the floor was redone in the cosmatesque style, and in 1937, the facade plaster was removed to restore the ancient structure.
The cardinal title of Saint Praxedes was established by Pope Evaristus around 112 and attributed to this church several centuries later. What an exciting history!
Family If you're visiting this place with your family, I'm sharing some great tips that will delight both kids and adults.
Sketchbook
Give children a sketchbook and pencils so they can draw the mosaics and architectural details they find interesting. This will help them observe carefully and express their creativity during the visit.
Tales and Legends
Tell children tales and legends related to the Basilica of Santa Prassede. For example, you can talk to them about Saint Praxede and her martyrdom. This will add a fascinating dimension to their visit and ignite their imagination.
Discover Wonder Near Basilica Santa Prassede
While you explore Basilica Santa Prassede with your children, continue your adventure nearby by visiting the Museum of Illusion in Rome. Immerse yourself in a world of trompe-l'oeil and fascinating illusions that will captivate both young and old. Book here now for a playful and captivating experience!