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.