St. Stefano Rotondo in Rome is one of the oldest round churches in existence, dating to the 5th century. It was built on the site of a former Roman military barracks by Pope Simplicius between 468-483 AD. The original plan consisted of three concentric circles intersected by the four arms of a Greek cross, dividing the outer ring into eight sections including four chapels.

1. EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
ST .STEFANO ROTUNDA
BY..
ANKITA GOEL
B.ARCH 3RD YEAR
1274881004

2. ABOUT :
Santo Stefano Rotondo in ROME is one
of the largest and oldest round churches in
existence.
Dating from the 5th century, it is a
fascinating church that reflects both local
and foreign influences.
 It was built by pope simplicius ( 468-83 ).
Stefano Rotondo was built on the former
site of a Roman military barracks for non-
Italian soldiers called the Castra
Pergrinorum.

3. DETAILS :
The inner ring of columns, which the
transverse arcade bisects, has a diameter of
76 feet
 The outer wall of the church has a
diameter of 210 feet
.
The exterior is brick masonry and the roof
is framed in timber.
 The contemporary interior is plain white
stucco, but it was originally faced in rich
marbles.
 Round church of diameter 64 m (210 ft).
Exterior is in cruciform plan .

4. The original plan of the church consisted of three concentric circles, i intersected by the four arms of a
DETAILS :
The original plan of the church
consisted of three concentric circles,
intersected by the four arms of a Greek
cross (+).
 The arms divided the outer ring into
eight sections: four chapels plus four
covered areas used as an entrance to
the church and passageway to the
chapels.
The two inner rings are made of arcaded
colonnades forming a circular aisle and
central nave.
 The interior was once brightly lit by 22
windows in the clerestory wall.
 The columns are a mix of Roman spoils
and Early Christian originals.
 The Corinthian-style capitals were
specially made, with crosses part of the
design.

5. INTERIORS :
The walls of the church are
decorated with numerous
frescoes.
 Portraying 34 scenes of
martyrdom, commissioned
by Greogory X111 in the 16th
century.
 Each painting has a titulus or
inscription explaining the scene
and giving the name of the
emperor who ordered the
execution,.
As well as a quotation from the
Bible.

6. ELEVATION
SECTION
PLAN
ST . STEFANO ROTONDO :

7. THANK YOU…