Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda (Temple of Antoninus and Faustina)

The Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, housed within the ancient Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, is a remarkable example of the transformation of pagan Roman architecture into a Christian place of worship. Built in 141 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his deified wife Faustina, the temple was later dedicated to the emperor himself. In the 7th or 8th century, it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a deacon martyred for his faith. The temple’s original massive Corinthian columns and richly decorated frieze remain intact, seamlessly integrated into the church’s facade. The church's interior preserves several notable religious artworks, while its connection to early Christian history underscores the symbolic triumph of Christianity over paganism. This fusion of architectural styles makes it a unique testament to Rome’s cultural and spiritual evolution.