The Eternal City: 35 Local Secrets to Unlock the Magic of Rome
30. Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo: Rome’s Round Church
A departure from typical Roman basilicas, Santo Stefano Rotondo stuns with its rare circular layout and macabre frescoes depicting martyrdom in chilling detail. It’s raw, haunting, and unforgettable. The church dates back to the 5th century and offers a stark, contemplative space far removed from the tourist crush. Here, architecture and theology intertwine in brutal honesty—making it one of Rome’s most underappreciated spiritual experiences.
