San Giorgio in Velabro
San Giorgio in Velabro
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Aventine
Contrary to the chaos of the city, the Aventine is Rome’s oasis. A neighborhood made up of a patchwork of ancient churches, hidden gardens, private homes and embassies, peace and quiet is top priority and the vibe definitely friends and family. Take a walk around the Aventine and you’ll find a treasure hunt of surprises like the clever little keyhole at the Knights of Malta entrance (the only place you’ll find a line) along with Parco Savello (Giardino degli Aranci) next to the ancient Santa Sabina church. Keep your eyes on the 1960s architecture, several modern buildings are built atop Rome’s original 4th century BC wall.
How to get there
- Fori Imperiali-Colosseo • 9 min walk
- Colosseo • 9 min walk
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Restaurants
8,145 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,552 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
92 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
37
Average
10
Poor
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Terrible
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dapper777
Monaco68,540 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
This small church is located behind the Arch of Janus, its construction probably dates back to the sixth century, but was rebuilt during the pontificate of Pope Leo in 682.
Its name derives from "Velabrum", the river swamp where Faustulus would have found Romulus and Remus.
In the 13th century, the Romanesque bell tower with four floors of three-mullioned windows and the portico with four columns with Ionic capitals were added.
The church underwent numerous restorations over the years.
Inside, the church houses the remains of St. George under the altar.
The interior has a double row of marble and granite columns of different origins and shapes, which divide it into three naves.
Sadly known for having been hit by an explosion due to a car bomb parked near the portico which almost caused the total collapse of the porch in front of the church, it has returned to its original splendor.
It was in fact reopened on 6 July 1996, after three years of work, completely renovated.
It is a church rich in history and houses an exceptional fresco by Pietro Cavallini in the apse.
Very simple but very beautiful: you can breathe an atmosphere of a bygone era, you feel a rare silence and spirituality in this church.
We loved it.
Recommended.
Its name derives from "Velabrum", the river swamp where Faustulus would have found Romulus and Remus.
In the 13th century, the Romanesque bell tower with four floors of three-mullioned windows and the portico with four columns with Ionic capitals were added.
The church underwent numerous restorations over the years.
Inside, the church houses the remains of St. George under the altar.
The interior has a double row of marble and granite columns of different origins and shapes, which divide it into three naves.
Sadly known for having been hit by an explosion due to a car bomb parked near the portico which almost caused the total collapse of the porch in front of the church, it has returned to its original splendor.
It was in fact reopened on 6 July 1996, after three years of work, completely renovated.
It is a church rich in history and houses an exceptional fresco by Pietro Cavallini in the apse.
Very simple but very beautiful: you can breathe an atmosphere of a bygone era, you feel a rare silence and spirituality in this church.
We loved it.
Recommended.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Spanish Steps Apartment
Rome, Italy36,330 contributions
Nov 2022
A lovely ancient church, this version dating from the 7th century. Always quiet and peaceful. Today, we were the only ones there. Off to one side is the Arch of the Money Changers, and nearby Is the Arch of Janus. Well worth a visit if in the area.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA17,330 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
According to the founding legend of Rome, the church was built where Roman history began: it is here that the she-wolf found Romulus and Remus
The first religious building on this site, a Diaconia (a religious building for the purpose of serving the infirm and the poor), is believed to date from the 1st century AD based on a 482 inscription found in the catacombs of St. Callixtus. It is believed a basilica was built here by Pope Gregory the Great between 590 and 604 AD, making this one of the oldest churches in Rome.
The current church was built during the 7th century, possibly by Pope Leo II, who dedicated it to Saint Sebastian. Its plan is irregular, indeed slightly trapezoidal, as a result of the frequent additions to the building. The interior columns are almost randomly arranged having been taken from sundry Roman temples as was the practice of the time.
The church was inside the Greek quarter of Rome, where Greek-speaking merchants, civil and military officers and monks of the Byzantine Empire lived. Pope Zachary (741-752 AD), who was of Greek origin, moved the relic of St. George here from Cappadocia.
After a restoration of Pope Gregory IV (9th century), the church received the addition of the portico and of the tower bell in the first half of the 13th century. The apsis was decorated with frescoes by Pietro Cavallini in the 13th century.
In 1347, the Roman patriot Cola Di Rienzo posted a manifesto announcing the liberation of Rome on the doors of this church.
Between 1923 and 1926, the Superintendent of Monuments of Rome, Antonio Muñoz, completed a more radical restoration program, with the aim of restoring the building's "medieval character" and freeing it from later additions. This was done by returning the floor to its original level (and so exposing the column bases) reopening the ancient windows that gave light to the central nave, restoring the apsis, and generally removing numerous accretions from the other most recent restorations. During this process, fragments (now displayed on the internal walls) were found indicating a schola cantorum on the site, attributed to the period of Gregory IV.
The building as we see it today is largely a product of the 1920s restoration. However, five years' further restoration followed the explosion of a car bomb, parked close to the facade, at midnight on 27 July 1993. That explosion caused no fatalities but left the 12th century portico almost totally collapsed and blew a large opening into the wall of the main church, as well as doing serious damage to the residence of the Generalate of the Crosiers (Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross) next door.
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage researched and catalogued what was damaged or destroyed, placing the fragments in 1050 crates with dates and locational references before restoring the building with them, although some details, particularly in the portico, were deliberately left unrestored as a memorial to the bombing.
The first religious building on this site, a Diaconia (a religious building for the purpose of serving the infirm and the poor), is believed to date from the 1st century AD based on a 482 inscription found in the catacombs of St. Callixtus. It is believed a basilica was built here by Pope Gregory the Great between 590 and 604 AD, making this one of the oldest churches in Rome.
The current church was built during the 7th century, possibly by Pope Leo II, who dedicated it to Saint Sebastian. Its plan is irregular, indeed slightly trapezoidal, as a result of the frequent additions to the building. The interior columns are almost randomly arranged having been taken from sundry Roman temples as was the practice of the time.
The church was inside the Greek quarter of Rome, where Greek-speaking merchants, civil and military officers and monks of the Byzantine Empire lived. Pope Zachary (741-752 AD), who was of Greek origin, moved the relic of St. George here from Cappadocia.
After a restoration of Pope Gregory IV (9th century), the church received the addition of the portico and of the tower bell in the first half of the 13th century. The apsis was decorated with frescoes by Pietro Cavallini in the 13th century.
In 1347, the Roman patriot Cola Di Rienzo posted a manifesto announcing the liberation of Rome on the doors of this church.
Between 1923 and 1926, the Superintendent of Monuments of Rome, Antonio Muñoz, completed a more radical restoration program, with the aim of restoring the building's "medieval character" and freeing it from later additions. This was done by returning the floor to its original level (and so exposing the column bases) reopening the ancient windows that gave light to the central nave, restoring the apsis, and generally removing numerous accretions from the other most recent restorations. During this process, fragments (now displayed on the internal walls) were found indicating a schola cantorum on the site, attributed to the period of Gregory IV.
The building as we see it today is largely a product of the 1920s restoration. However, five years' further restoration followed the explosion of a car bomb, parked close to the facade, at midnight on 27 July 1993. That explosion caused no fatalities but left the 12th century portico almost totally collapsed and blew a large opening into the wall of the main church, as well as doing serious damage to the residence of the Generalate of the Crosiers (Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross) next door.
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage researched and catalogued what was damaged or destroyed, placing the fragments in 1050 crates with dates and locational references before restoring the building with them, although some details, particularly in the portico, were deliberately left unrestored as a memorial to the bombing.
Written May 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IL-PINE
Qormi361 contributions
This is a small church just located in the street behind the basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. To arrive to it you have to walk from the central Piazza Venezia (where the monument to Vittorio Emanuele is, along the Via del Teatro di Marcello along the Tevere, till you arrive in the piazza having the 2 Roman temples on your right and the basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin infront. On your left you will see the Arch of Janus and the church is just behind it.
The church is quite simple with a central cyborium above the altar that contains the relics with part of the brain of St George. The above fresco depicts St George and St Sebastian on opposite sides. Viva Hal-Qormi :)
The church is quite simple with a central cyborium above the altar that contains the relics with part of the brain of St George. The above fresco depicts St George and St Sebastian on opposite sides. Viva Hal-Qormi :)
Written October 9, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Spanish Steps Apartment
Rome, Italy36,330 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The church of St. George is located behind the Arch of Janus, not far from the Tiber. The rather simple interior uses columns taken from ancient temples. A very peaceful church to visit. The ancient Arcus Argentariorum (arch of the moneychangers) is attached to the side of the church, behind a fence.
Written April 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ultan21
United Kingdom23 contributions
We stayed at the hotel next door and stumbled on this besutiful church.
Rather than facing the heaving crowds in St Peters we went to the English mass here.
There were 3 worshippers and x3 the number of Crosier Fathers. They made us feel very welcome. It was a very special sung Easter service . The intamacy of the Mass in such wonderful historic surroundings made for a very spiritual Easter.
Rather than facing the heaving crowds in St Peters we went to the English mass here.
There were 3 worshippers and x3 the number of Crosier Fathers. They made us feel very welcome. It was a very special sung Easter service . The intamacy of the Mass in such wonderful historic surroundings made for a very spiritual Easter.
Written April 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia53,346 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
San Giorgio in Velabro is quite an old church, dating to the 7th century. It has undergone a few transformations since that time, and time as well as people have not always been kind to the building. Apparently it was linked to the Greek residents of the city back in those old days, particularly travellers and merchants. It is located close to the Tiber River, near the Arch of Janus (Arco di Giano), on the Via del Velabro. Worth having a look if you are in the area.
Written October 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Della G
Coquitlam, Canada788 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
One of my favorite churches situated in the ancient Roman velabrum. The church was incorporated with the ancient roman arch of the money changers (Arcus Argentariorum) and was dedicated to St. George. The church dates back to the 7th century and over time, it has been renovated. The interior is very simplistic and its lack of ornate decoration truly reflects a genuine place for worship. The church interior has columns taken from roman temples. These columns really enhances the simplistic beauty of the church. It has survived a terrorist attack in 1993 and even though it has been renovated, it still retains an understated elegance to it.
Written January 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTGP
Adelaide, Australia5,865 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Located just behind The Arch of Janus is the plain but lovely Chiesa di San Giorgio in Velabro, built 7th century. It was originally dedicated to St Sebastian, who was thrown into the Cloaca Maxima, which is near the church. Decoration on the church comes from an ancient Roman temple. Part of the skull of St. George, lies beneath the altar, it was brought to Rome by Pope Zacharias in the 8th century. In 1993 a car bomb explosion, totally destroyed the 12th century portico and blew a hole in the wall of the church. The church was fully restored and reopened on 6th July 1996.
Attached to the side of the church is the Arcus Argentariorum, built 204, not an arch but rather a gateway. It was built by the cattle merchants and bankers/money changers of the Forum Boarium, in honour of Emperor Septimius Severus. There are many reliefs including some of Septimus and his sons Caracalla and Geta, as well as Caracalla’s wife and her father. After Caracalla murdered his brother, wife and her father, he had all traces of them erased, (damnatio memoriae) from the arch. Hercules also features, as legend has him resting after his 10th labour nearby. Fortunately the arch was not damaged in the 1993 bombing.
Attached to the side of the church is the Arcus Argentariorum, built 204, not an arch but rather a gateway. It was built by the cattle merchants and bankers/money changers of the Forum Boarium, in honour of Emperor Septimius Severus. There are many reliefs including some of Septimus and his sons Caracalla and Geta, as well as Caracalla’s wife and her father. After Caracalla murdered his brother, wife and her father, he had all traces of them erased, (damnatio memoriae) from the arch. Hercules also features, as legend has him resting after his 10th labour nearby. Fortunately the arch was not damaged in the 1993 bombing.
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Canada22 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
Tucked away on a small street in the heart of historic Rome is this beautiful church of the 7th century which reflects the more ancient style of Roman basilica. This is a must visit for anyone wanting to see authentic and fascinating architecture in Rome.
Written December 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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