Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
4.5
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Neighborhood: Celio
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- Circo Massimo • 7 min walk
- Colosseo • 8 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
136 reviews
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69
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1
misterfuss
San Francisco, California164 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
For me the main reason to be here was because it is above the Case Romane del Celio. It is a nice church, but compared with the hundreds of other churches in Rome this one falls into the average range. It is worth a quick look. If you visit the Case Romane del Celio underneath, it is fun to visit here and try to relate the floor plan of the excavations below to the basilica above.
Inside are many chandeliers originally from the Waldorf Astoria hotel in NYC. The chandeliers do make it somewhat resemble an American ballroom, but not in a bad way. That just makes it a little different from all of the many churches in Rome. There is an automated meter to illuminate the chandeliers for 5 Euro (year 2023). I was too frugal to do this, but regret that now. Reportedly on Saturdays the chandeliers are turned on.
For me the big attractions are outside the church where there are antique columns in the portico, a Lombard style campanile, and visible foundations from the temple of Divus Claudius. The portico has eight re-used ancient columns. The end columns are Corinthian, while the others are Ionic. Three are in pink granite from Aswan in Egypt, three are in grey granite and two are in the so-called marmo tasio which is from the island of Thasos in Greece.
At the base of the tall Romanesque red brick campanile tower you can see the massive white stone foundations from the Temple of the Divine Claudius. That is the Emperor Claudius from the book “I Claudius” by Robert Graves and the Masterpiece Theatre television series. The brickwork is decorated with multicolored stones and ceramics. The ceramics are dishes, now copies, sourced from Muslim lands. Bizarrely, some of the dishes have Arabic lettering extolling Allah and most likely whoever used them for decoration could not read this.
Inside are many chandeliers originally from the Waldorf Astoria hotel in NYC. The chandeliers do make it somewhat resemble an American ballroom, but not in a bad way. That just makes it a little different from all of the many churches in Rome. There is an automated meter to illuminate the chandeliers for 5 Euro (year 2023). I was too frugal to do this, but regret that now. Reportedly on Saturdays the chandeliers are turned on.
For me the big attractions are outside the church where there are antique columns in the portico, a Lombard style campanile, and visible foundations from the temple of Divus Claudius. The portico has eight re-used ancient columns. The end columns are Corinthian, while the others are Ionic. Three are in pink granite from Aswan in Egypt, three are in grey granite and two are in the so-called marmo tasio which is from the island of Thasos in Greece.
At the base of the tall Romanesque red brick campanile tower you can see the massive white stone foundations from the Temple of the Divine Claudius. That is the Emperor Claudius from the book “I Claudius” by Robert Graves and the Masterpiece Theatre television series. The brickwork is decorated with multicolored stones and ceramics. The ceramics are dishes, now copies, sourced from Muslim lands. Bizarrely, some of the dishes have Arabic lettering extolling Allah and most likely whoever used them for decoration could not read this.
Written December 17, 2023
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.
Morgoth C
San Jose, Costa Rica32 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
This is a very ancient Basilica, built around year 400, and repaired many times. We found it by chance, while wandering around the Colosseum. Despite the fact the nearby Colosseum and Palatine were chock-full of tourists, this beautiful church, built near the top of a hill was practically deserted. The lack of visitors enhanced the mood, as it felt as a really hallowed place (it contains the remains of 2 early-Christian martyrs) and not as a tourist trap.
The church closes shortly before noon, as the warden goes for lunch, so take that into account!
Beneath the church there is an archaeological excavation that is worth a visit. It is managed separate from the Basilica and it can be entered thru a small door at the bottom of the hill. The excavation shows the history of the Basilica. It started as a normal roman Villa, that was turn into a shrine when the owner became Christian and grew thru the centuries until it became the magnificent brick church it is now.
The church closes shortly before noon, as the warden goes for lunch, so take that into account!
Beneath the church there is an archaeological excavation that is worth a visit. It is managed separate from the Basilica and it can be entered thru a small door at the bottom of the hill. The excavation shows the history of the Basilica. It started as a normal roman Villa, that was turn into a shrine when the owner became Christian and grew thru the centuries until it became the magnificent brick church it is now.
Written September 29, 2015
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.
HameshaIndia
New Delhi, India195 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
The Basilica of Saints John and Paul on the Caelian Hill was built in 398 over the home of two Roman soldiers, John and Paul, martyred under the emperor Julian 35 years before.
The church was damaged during the sack of Rome in 410 and restored by Pope Paschal I in the early 9th century. Many of the decorations inside, however, were re-done in the medieval period and after as the Church had been looted by the Normans in the 11th century.
The bell tower was completed about 1150. It is in an odd position, but this is because it re-used the ancient masonry of the southernmost corner of the Temple of the Divine Claudius, a roman Temple built in memory of Roman Emperor Claudius on his death in 54 AD.
The floor of the Church is in the Cosmatesque style - a brilliant type of intricate mosaic, special to Italy - that you have to see ! There are more details at 'Basilica of Saints John and Paul' at mygardenspace channel on youtube.
The Church is closed however from 1-3 pm, as are nearby attractions. But one can spend time profitably in the attached very large park with many statues and fountains.
There is a toilet in the Church complex, to the right as you enter. I sought permission before using.
The church was damaged during the sack of Rome in 410 and restored by Pope Paschal I in the early 9th century. Many of the decorations inside, however, were re-done in the medieval period and after as the Church had been looted by the Normans in the 11th century.
The bell tower was completed about 1150. It is in an odd position, but this is because it re-used the ancient masonry of the southernmost corner of the Temple of the Divine Claudius, a roman Temple built in memory of Roman Emperor Claudius on his death in 54 AD.
The floor of the Church is in the Cosmatesque style - a brilliant type of intricate mosaic, special to Italy - that you have to see ! There are more details at 'Basilica of Saints John and Paul' at mygardenspace channel on youtube.
The Church is closed however from 1-3 pm, as are nearby attractions. But one can spend time profitably in the attached very large park with many statues and fountains.
There is a toilet in the Church complex, to the right as you enter. I sought permission before using.
Written February 10, 2018
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, Italy34,262 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
A very ancient church on the Caelian Hill ... outside in the piazza are the remains of the Temple of Claudius as well as a majestic bell tower. Medieval lions flank the entrance doors. The inside is dark, and has been renovated many times, but is worth a quick look. Make sure to walk down the ancient road on one side, under the buttresses of the church, which form arches over the road. Really lovely. Under the church are the "Roman Houses," well worth the admission fee.
Written October 27, 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
Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, not named for the Apostles John and Paul, but for two devout Christian Roman soldiers, they are also referred to as court dignitaries. Legends indicate they were persecuted by Emperor Julian the Apostate, for being Christians and in 362, were murdered in their homes, (under the church) and subsequently buried there. Historians on the other tend to agree Julian did not persecute Christians. The outcome was both men were martyred and in 398 the basilica was built on the site of their alleged martyrdom.
The church has been badly damaged over the years, with the Visigoth 410 sacking of Rome, an earthquake in 442 and the Norman invasion of 1084. It was reconstructed in the 12th century and included a monastery, which was built over the top of the remains of the Temple of Claudius. A portico was added around 1150 and a gallery was built on top of it in the 13th century, which almost entirely covered the loggia above. In 1952 the gallery was lowered to expose more of the loggia. The portal is flanked by two lovely 13th century lions.
The Cosmatesque floor is 13th century and the beautiful ceiling dates from 1598. The centre apse has a large 1588 fresco by Pomarancio, titled “Redentore in Gloria”. In the 18th century Antonio Canevari redesigned the interior. The basilica has an urn containing the relics of St John and St Paul.
The beautiful bell tower is 12th century and measures 45 metres high, with mullion windows. The tower is decorated with circles, rectangles and crosses made of porphyry, along with copies of ceramic bowls/plates embedded in the brickwork. The bell tower was restored in 1952 and the original Moorish ceramic bowls/plates from Malaga, Spain, with Arabic script were removed, they are now in the museum at the church, hence the copies seen on the bell tower today.
Very quiet church with the personal favourites being the two lions at the entrance and the bell tower, which is stunning.
Underneath the church is Case Romane del Celio, a complex with twenty rooms, which make up Roman houses dated 2nd-3rd centuries AD, it is also where the namesakes of the church had their house. Beautiful frescoes and many rooms to explore. Worth having a look at. There is an entry fee, it was €8 in May.
The church has been badly damaged over the years, with the Visigoth 410 sacking of Rome, an earthquake in 442 and the Norman invasion of 1084. It was reconstructed in the 12th century and included a monastery, which was built over the top of the remains of the Temple of Claudius. A portico was added around 1150 and a gallery was built on top of it in the 13th century, which almost entirely covered the loggia above. In 1952 the gallery was lowered to expose more of the loggia. The portal is flanked by two lovely 13th century lions.
The Cosmatesque floor is 13th century and the beautiful ceiling dates from 1598. The centre apse has a large 1588 fresco by Pomarancio, titled “Redentore in Gloria”. In the 18th century Antonio Canevari redesigned the interior. The basilica has an urn containing the relics of St John and St Paul.
The beautiful bell tower is 12th century and measures 45 metres high, with mullion windows. The tower is decorated with circles, rectangles and crosses made of porphyry, along with copies of ceramic bowls/plates embedded in the brickwork. The bell tower was restored in 1952 and the original Moorish ceramic bowls/plates from Malaga, Spain, with Arabic script were removed, they are now in the museum at the church, hence the copies seen on the bell tower today.
Very quiet church with the personal favourites being the two lions at the entrance and the bell tower, which is stunning.
Underneath the church is Case Romane del Celio, a complex with twenty rooms, which make up Roman houses dated 2nd-3rd centuries AD, it is also where the namesakes of the church had their house. Beautiful frescoes and many rooms to explore. Worth having a look at. There is an entry fee, it was €8 in May.
Written October 24, 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.
Evets54
Southampton, UK271 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
When we visited they were setting up for a wedding so access was a little restricted. Nevertheless, you could still more or less see how the church had developed from it early origins. There is a really nice fresco of Christ and the Apostles from the 13th century, a lovely 12th Apse.
It is well worth the time to visit as it is in an area of Rome which is just a stones throw from the colosseum but is really quite and free from hordes of tourists. It also has 2nd century roman house below which is worth visiting - separate review.
It is well worth the time to visit as it is in an area of Rome which is just a stones throw from the colosseum but is really quite and free from hordes of tourists. It also has 2nd century roman house below which is worth visiting - separate review.
Written September 14, 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.
docs_holiday
UK for now58 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
The exterior of this church does not prepare you for the interior. It is well worth a visit for the sumptuous interior and the collection of crystal chandeliers is fantastic.
Written September 29, 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.
dapper777
Monaco65,991 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Leaving the Villa Celinontana through its portal on the back, we found ourselves in front of an unexpected vision, but which we already knew: the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
It was open and we could not resist the desire to go in and visit it 'in the evening'.
The Basilica is located on the Caelian Hill and is dedicated to the two Roman officers John and Paul, victims of the persecution of the emperor Julian the Apostate.
It was built on pre-existing Roman houses that stood close to the Clivus Scauri, the ancient road that led to the top of the Caelian Hill.
Most of these were shops but also refined homes belonging to important families of the city.
And the basilica was founded on one of these houses, to be exact above the one in which John and Paul, Roman officers who converted to Christianity, were beheaded and buried in 362 AD.
It underwent the sacks of Alaric (410) and that of the Normans (1084) and was rebuilt: in the twelfth century the portico and the bell tower were added.
Modified in the 1700s, losing its paleochristian basilica layout, the paleochristian façade with the 3rd century marble columns was restored around 1950.
Noteworthy is the beautiful Cosmatesque portal and the medieval oratory with scenes of the Passion frescoed in the 9th century.
The Basilica is a spectacular church, imposing and suitable for the celebration of events and weddings.
It is also called The Church of the Chandeliers for the large number of chandeliers inside.
These were given as a gift in the 1950s by the titular cardinal Francis Joseph Spellman, who had been Archbishop of New York.
He brought them from the Grand Hotel Waldorf Astoria in New York, which was undergoing renovations and change of décor.
For this reason and for the spectacular light effects and spotlights that enhance the beauty of the coffered ceiling, the church in recent years has become one of the most popular locations for religious upscale weddings.
It was open and we could not resist the desire to go in and visit it 'in the evening'.
The Basilica is located on the Caelian Hill and is dedicated to the two Roman officers John and Paul, victims of the persecution of the emperor Julian the Apostate.
It was built on pre-existing Roman houses that stood close to the Clivus Scauri, the ancient road that led to the top of the Caelian Hill.
Most of these were shops but also refined homes belonging to important families of the city.
And the basilica was founded on one of these houses, to be exact above the one in which John and Paul, Roman officers who converted to Christianity, were beheaded and buried in 362 AD.
It underwent the sacks of Alaric (410) and that of the Normans (1084) and was rebuilt: in the twelfth century the portico and the bell tower were added.
Modified in the 1700s, losing its paleochristian basilica layout, the paleochristian façade with the 3rd century marble columns was restored around 1950.
Noteworthy is the beautiful Cosmatesque portal and the medieval oratory with scenes of the Passion frescoed in the 9th century.
The Basilica is a spectacular church, imposing and suitable for the celebration of events and weddings.
It is also called The Church of the Chandeliers for the large number of chandeliers inside.
These were given as a gift in the 1950s by the titular cardinal Francis Joseph Spellman, who had been Archbishop of New York.
He brought them from the Grand Hotel Waldorf Astoria in New York, which was undergoing renovations and change of décor.
For this reason and for the spectacular light effects and spotlights that enhance the beauty of the coffered ceiling, the church in recent years has become one of the most popular locations for religious upscale weddings.
Written February 11, 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.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Santi Giovanni e Paolo is a very old church, dating as far back as the 4th century. However it has been rebuilt several times. It is quite unusual and the interior of the church is just beautiful. Worth a look if you are in the area.
Written October 17, 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.
Valeri V
Middleburg, FL70 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Walk into this beautiful tranquil church to find a perfect peace.
Two ancient lions gaurd the entrance of this very old basilica.
It's like an oasis, restful and quiet after the chaos of traffic and tourists outside. Seemed nobody knew it was here but us.
Two ancient lions gaurd the entrance of this very old basilica.
It's like an oasis, restful and quiet after the chaos of traffic and tourists outside. Seemed nobody knew it was here but us.
Written March 23, 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.
ma l offerta é libera o c'é un offerta imposta?
Written June 19, 2019
Ma quando é aperta la chiesa per informazioni per un matrimonio?
Written December 10, 2018
Quando ci sono stato io era agosto e di mattina era aperta c'erano due anziani signori che davano informazioni.
Written December 10, 2018
Vorrei potermi sposare in questa stupenda Basilica il prossimo anno a maggio...qualcuno sa darmi indicazioni su come prenotare e, soprattutto i costi?
Grazie mille!
Written January 16, 2017
Per prenotare il matrimonio lì devi muoverti con largo anticipo. Io ho prenotato un anno e mezzo prima ma mi sono sposata a dicembre, a maggio credo sia più complicato. I costi sono sicuramente l'addobbo (che devi fare necessariamente dove ti indicano loro) e gli eventuali cantanti o musicisti.
Written January 17, 2017
Si celebrano battesimi il 26 dicembre? Grazie.
Written November 27, 2016
salve,
vorrei porre una domanda semplice: i sotterranei sono sempre visitabili o occorre prenotare in anticipo? quanto costa il biglietto e quanto è lunga la visita?
grazie mille per le risposte che vorrete gentilmente fornirmi
cordiali saluti
Written October 24, 2015
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