Church of San Sebastiano al Palatino

The Church of Saint Sebastian on the Palatine (San Sebastiano al Palatino) is a small yet historically significant church situated atop the Palatine Hill in Rome. It was originally built in the early Christian era to honor Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier and martyr who was executed during Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians in the early 4th century. The church is believed to stand near the location where Saint Sebastian’s body was temporarily buried after his martyrdom. Over centuries, the church underwent renovations and restorations, with its current structure reflecting Baroque influences. Despite its modest size, the church holds great spiritual importance due to its connection to one of Christianity's most revered early saints. Its location on the Palatine Hill, surrounded by the ruins of ancient imperial palaces, symbolizes the transformation of Rome from a center of pagan power to a heart of Christian faith.