Basilica di Santa Stefano Rotondo al Celio
7 Via Santo Stefano Rotondo Roma
The Cycle of Martyrdom—A Basilica in Honor of the First Martyr’s Sacrifice
The Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, stands atop the Celio, one of Rome’s legendary seven hills. Founded in 483 A.D., it is the oldest circular church in the city, reflecting the architectural influence of early Christian and Roman designs.
A striking feature of the basilica is the Martyrology, known as the Cycle of Martyrdom. This series of thirty-four frescoes lines the outer walls, depicting harrowing scenes of saints' martyrdom—a stark reminder of the sacrifices made for the faith. Created as a warning to young priests, these vivid images prepared missionaries for the trials they might face while spreading Christianity in distant lands.
Despite its somber depictions, the basilica remains a place of prayer and reflection, where the legacy of the Church’s earliest witnesses continues to inspire those who walk its ancient halls.
Photo Gallery
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We turn our hearts to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, a sacred space dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As we stand atop the Celio, one of Rome’s ancient hills, we are reminded of the enduring faith of those who have come before us.
Within this oldest circular church, we encounter the Cycle of Martyrdom—a vivid testament to the sacrifices made for the faith. May these frescoes, depicting the trials of saints, inspire us to remain steadfast in our own journey, prepared to face challenges with courage and conviction.
Though these depictions are somber, the basilica is a place of prayer and reflection. Help us to draw strength from the legacy of the Church’s earliest witnesses, who lived and died for the truth of the Gospel.
Grant us the grace to be inspired by their example, living as faithful servants, ready to share Your love with the world. May our hearts be open to Your guidance as we walk the path of faith.
Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Basilica of San Clemente
An early 12th Century church that was built over a pre-existing 4th Century church and a previous pagan temple, the Basilica of San Clemente is dedicated to the fourth ponfiff, Pope St. Clement I, who was martyred in Crimea and whose relics have been placed under the main altar.
See Also:
Rome Highlights - Self Guided Tour
Rome, the Eternal City. With thousands of years worth of history, deciding between hundreds of churches can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, it is absolutely possible to get a taste of Rome in just a few days. The EWTN Travel team picked 15 top spots around the city. In the video, we show you how you can see them all in three days. Let’s get started.
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