Church di San Lorenzo in Panisperna (St. Lawrence)

San Lorenzo in Panisperna is a historic church in Rome dedicated to Saint Lawrence, one of the city's most venerated martyrs.

Tradition holds that this site marks the location of his martyrdom in 258 AD, where he was executed by being burned on a gridiron.  According to one popular tradition, he sarcastically said as he was being martyred, "Turn me over, I'm done on this side".

The church's name, "Panisperna," is believed to derive from the Latin words "panis" (bread) and "perna" (ham), reflecting the tradition of the Poor Clare nuns from the adjacent convent distributing bread and ham to the poor on August 10, the feast day of St. Lawrence.

The current structure dates back to a 16th-century reconstruction by architect Carlo Rainaldi under Pope Gregory XIII, preserving its historical essence. The church features a single nave with three chapels on each side, adorned with significant artworks, including a fresco of the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence by Pasquale Cati, a pupil of Michelangelo. 

Adjacent to the church is a convent that has been home to Poor Clare nuns since the 14th century. Notably, St. Bridget of Sweden resided here during her time in Rome, and a chapel within the church is dedicated to her, marking it as a site of profound spiritual heritage. 

Located on Via Panisperna in the Monti district, San Lorenzo in Panisperna remains a place of devotion and historical significance, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring legacy of faith and charity embodied by St. Lawrence.

 Photos, Videos, and Mass Times coming soon.