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The Church of St. Luke and Martina is located in the Northeast quadrant of the Roman Forum beside the Forum of Caesar (to the East). Church of St. Luke and Martina is central to the Curia Lulia (Senate House), Lapis Niger, Arch of Septimus Severus, Church of St. Joseph of the Carpenters, Mamertine Prison and the Forum of Caesar. All of these other adjacent historical landmarks should also be viewed. The area of the Roman Forum has significance to the ancient city dating to the 7th century B.C. At that time, this area was referred to as the Comitium - the original open-air public meeting space of Ancient Rome, and had major religious and prophetic significance. The now site of the church was occupied by a series of other buildings beginning in the late 700s B.C. Eventually, the original church on the site was dedicated to St Martina, commissioned by Pope Honorius I in 625. The church of St. Martina was restored by Pope Alexander IV in 1256. In 1588, the church was given, by Pope Sixtus IV, to the Accademia di San Luca (originally Compagna dei Pittori - guild of painters). They rededicated the church to St. Luke and St. Martina in 1589. Reconstruction of the church started in 1635 and continued with modifications to the interior and exterior, including the dome. Little alteration has occurred since ~1740. The exterior layout of the church has been compared to a Greek cross, with a central dome over a crossing with four arms. The façade is travertine limestone, but the main body of the building is brick. Currently, the side walls are exposed and look dirty, but before the 20th century they were completely concealed by adjacent buildings and not meant to be seen. The base of hemispherical dome is also of travertine limestone. Overall, this church has a quite interesting historical and architectural appeal.…
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Date of experience: June 2019
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MijnlieverdFH wrote a review Jun 2017
Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands4,211 contributions1,037 helpful votes
The church seen close to the Arco Septimus Severo at the vicinity of the Roman Forum. A very nice church yet not very popular among tourists. It has an outstanding Dome can be easily seen even from the entrance of the Via Sacra.
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Date of experience: August 2016
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Located between the Roman Forum and the Forum of Caesar, it towers above the Curia it sits next to. Built in 625, the façade of the church is wonderful and the view from the Piazza over the forum is fantastic.
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Date of experience: April 2017
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We only got about a minute of glimpse at this church, as it was closing time, but its location in the Roman Forum is hard to beat. The façade of the church is lovely, and from the little we've seen - its interior is just as lovely. Give the church 5-10 minutes while exploring the Forum.…
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Date of experience: April 2016
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This church is at the western end of the Roman Forum and is right next to the Senate House (Curia Julia). The original church was a plain rectangle and subsequent dedications from the Vatican allowed for grander additions and reworks. For instance, the cupola was added in the 1600's. The inside is moderately decorated with relief carvings, some marble and frescos.…
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Date of experience: June 2015
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