Church of San Bonaventura al Palatino
Via di S. Bonaventura Roma Roma
The Church of San Bonaventura al Palatino stands atop the Palatine Hill, offering a quiet retreat from the surrounding ruins of ancient Rome. Founded in 1625 by Blessed Bonaventura of Barcelona, a Franciscan friar, the church was built as part of a small monastery dedicated to prayer and contemplation.
Its simple façade reflects the humility of the Franciscan order, while inside, a serene atmosphere prevails. The main altar houses the relics of Blessed Bonaventura, whose life of penance and devotion left a lasting mark on the community. The church also preserves a wooden crucifix traditionally believed to have spoken to Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, another Franciscan known for his powerful preaching.
San Bonaventura offers a rare glimpse of Baroque spirituality set against the backdrop of Rome’s most historic hill. Its elevated position provides a sweeping view of the Eternal City, making it a place not only for devotion but also for quiet reflection above the remnants of Rome’s imperial past.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We gather in spirit at the Church of San Bonaventure al Palatino, a place of serenity and reflection dedicated to the wisdom and holiness of St. Bonaventure. We give thanks for this sanctuary that stands as a beacon of spiritual insight and Franciscan simplicity.
As we meditate on the life and teachings of St. Bonaventure, may we be inspired by his profound understanding of Your divine truth and his deep love for creation. Grant us the grace to seek knowledge and wisdom that draw us closer to You.
May this sacred space, nestled on the historic Palatine Hill, be a haven for all who seek peace and spiritual renewal. Let it remind us of the beauty and tranquility found in Your presence.
Bless all pilgrims and visitors who come to this church, that they may experience the peace and guidance that St. Bonaventure so beautifully embodied. May his intercession lead us to a deeper faith and commitment to Your will.
Through the intercession of St. Bonaventure, may we grow in love and understanding, ever eager to live out our faith with humility and joy.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Basilica of San Clemente
Like Santi Luca e Martina, San Clemente preserves early Christian foundations, revealing layers of pagan, early Christian, and medieval worship sites beneath its current structure.
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.
Stay Connected:
Sign up and get weekly updates with new locations, itineraries and videos.