Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati (Basilica dei Santi Quattro Coronati)

The Basics

Though originally built in the 6th century, the current structure is from the 12th century. The Santi Quattro Coronati means “four crowned saints,” and refers to four soldiers who were martyred by Emperor Diocletian after they refused to sacrifice to a pagan god. Aside from the cloister’s colorful mosaics, don’t miss the rare 13th-century frescoes inside the Chapel of Sylvester,xa0 known as the “medieval Sistine Chapel.”

Travelers may explore Santi Quattro Coronati as part of a walking or Vespa tour of the city’s abundant holy sites. Trace the history of the early Church by visiting lesser-known sites including 900-year-old Basilica of St. Clement, the San Giovanni in Laterano, and the Sancta Sanctorum, a room that once held the most revered relics in Christendom including the heads of Saint Peter and Paul and a chunk of table used for the Last Supper.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for art and architecture buffs of all ages.
• A modest dress code is required to enter places of worship.
• The site is not wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved. Wear comfortable shoes.
• If you want to see the profane frescoes, make arrangements ahead of time.
• Tours may include round trip hotel transfers. Check specific tours for details.

How to Get There

Santi Quattro Coronati is located on Via dei Santi Quattro in the center of Rome, a few blocks away from major sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and San Giovanni In Laterano. Take a taxi to the basilica or any number of public transportation options, such as the #2 bus to the Celio Vibenna stop or #85 to the S. Giovanni In Laterano/S. Clemente stop.

When to Get There

Santi Quattro Coronati is open daily, 10am - 11:45am, and 4pm - 5:45pm. The cloister is closed on Sunday mornings. As an under-the-radar attraction, the complex never sees many tourists at once. In general, avoid Rome’s dense tourist throngs by traveling during the pleasant shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Even better for avoiding crowds is the winter, though temperatures can dip to freezing.

The Profane Frescoes

In 2014, the extensive restoration of Santi Quattro Coronati’s “profane” medieval frescoes basilica was unveiled. For centuries, they had been hidden beneath layers of plaster and paint, possibly applied during the plague of 1348. And now, two days a month, by appointment only, visitors may finally see them for the first time. Perhaps the most significant of their kind, they depict such profane subject matter as constellations and the Zodiac, the liberal arts, and the seasons.

Ways to explore

You can visit on your own, but visiting with a guide provides context to this site, which is rich in history, art, and architecture. You can see it on a Vespa tour of the city or a sightseeing tour dedicated to Rome’s Christian sites. After exploring the complex and its beautiful frescoes and cloister, head to the nearby Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome’s oldest public church and seat of the pope.

Accessibility

The complex is partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps leading to the first few courtyards; contact the church for access details.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, coins for votive candles

What to wear

Clothing covering shoulders and knees

Not allowed

Guided tours are not permitted during community prayer times, and guided descriptions must be provided outside.

Address

The Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati is located on Via dei Santi Quattro, a few blocks away from the Colosseum, on the edge of the city center. Walking from the Colosseum takes less than 10 minutes, but you can also drive or use public transportation.

Driving

Finding free or paid street parking around the church is tricky, as is navigating the narrow local 1-way streets. Take a taxi or a rideshare service to make getting there easier.

Public transportation

Take the No. 85 or 117 bus to the S. Giovanni In Laterano/S. Clemente stop, a street over from the church. Otherwise, use the 3 or 8 tram or the metro B line to the Colosseum and walk.

Best times to visit

The morning is the only time that the basilica, cloister, and oratory are all open; it’s best to come in the mid-morning when there’s a gap in religious services.

Best days to visit

Religious services take up most of the opening hours on Sundays, and Tuesdays have reduced visiting hours; visit on Mondays or from Wednesday to Saturday.

Best months to visit

Even when Rome is at its busiest in the peak months of June to September, this complex doesn’t get too busy as it’s a bit removed from the main highlights.

Special events

Expect the basilica to be unavailable for regular tourist visits over religious holidays such as Holy Week and Pentecost.