Basilica of Saint Cecilia

The basilica dedicated to the saint who survived a calidarium

The Basilica of Saint Cecilia, who is the patron saint of musicians, was built where her family lived in Trastevere. She was martyred around 230 A.D. when she tried converting her husband and brother. Because of her efforts, she was tortured for three days in the calidarium. However, she was still alive, so her torturers decapitated her. Pope Urban I, who witnessed the martyrdom, buried her in the catacomb of St. Callistus. Years later, Pope Paschal found her body and moved it to a basilica in Trastevere, which is now named after her. As time past, the basilica had numerous work done. Between the 12th and 13th century, the cloister, atrium, and bell tower were added. In the 16th century the entrance to the building was added on with its ancient columns of pink granite and African marble by Ferdinando Fuga. 

Her tomb was opened up, and Cardinal Sfondrati had sculptor Stefano Maderno make a sculpting of her body in the way he found it. You can see the sculpture in the church below the altar. 

Related Content: Rome's Hidden Churches - Saint Cecilia

 

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