The church of Santa Maria Antiqua, built in the 5th century, is the oldest Christian building in the Forum. The interior of the church is decorated with ancient Byzantine frescoes, dating from the time of Popes Martin I (649-655), John VII (705-707) and Zechariah (741-752). It contains the oldest representation in Rome of Santa Maria Regina, the Virgin Mary as Queen, dating from the second century.
Santi Cosma e Damiano is one of the oldest churches in Europe. Erected in the 6th century on the remains of a Roman temple, still visible today, the apse of the basilica has preserved mosaics of the time.
The Church of St Theodore on the Palatine is an Orthodox place of worship built in the 6th century. The mosaic in the apse dates from the 6th century. Rebuilt under Pope Nicholas V (1447-1455), it was renovated two centuries later, in 1643, by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, and in 1703-05 under Pope Clement XI (1700-1721). It was then entrusted to the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pope John Paul II granted the use of the church to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and to the Greek Orthodox community in Rome.
The church of Santi Luca e Martina was founded in the 7th century, probably by Honorius I, who is also credited with the foundation of the neighbouring church of Saint Hadrian. The church was restored by Pope Alexander IV in 1256, and the patronage of Saint Luke (patron saint of painters) was added to the church by Sixtus V in 1588.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter