Basilica San Silvestro in Capite

A hidden gem in Rome, the Basilica di San Silvestro in Capite and its charming cloister offer a peaceful escape. The richly decorated Baroque church features stunning frescoes and marble details, ideal for quiet reflection. The adjacent courtyard, known as the San Silvestro Centre, is an open-air museum of ancient Roman fragments, sarcophagi, and inscriptions set into its warm yellow walls. It’s a serene, lesser-known spot perfect for history lovers and photographers. Please note, it’s still an active religious site managed by the Pallottini Fathers, so quiet respect is appreciated during visits.

The original church was built with an adjoining Basilian monastery, in the 8th century by the Popes Paul I and Stephen III, atop ruins of a pagan temple dedicated to Sol Invictus, to house venerated relics of early Christian saints who were buried in the catacombs.The church was rebuilt and the campanile with Romanesque arcades added in 1198 during the papacy of Innocent III, who transferred the relic of the head of St. John the Baptist to it and the name was changed to St. John in Capitol. In the 13th century the church was donated to the Poor Clares. It was rebuilt by the architects Francesco Capriani da Volterra and Carlo Maderno during 1591–1601, and subsequently restored in 1681.The relics of Pope Sylvester I, Pope Stephen I and Pope Dionysius were exhumed and re-enshrined beneath the high altar when the new church was consecrated in 1601. The church also contains the relics of Tarcisius.The church of San Silvestro was granted to the English Catholics by Pope Leo XIII in 1890, and is now served by Irish Pallottine Fathers. Mass is thus regularly celebrated in the English language. The church is the National Church in Rome of Great Britain, although the structures of the Catholic Church continue to be organized separately for England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The Scottish national church in Rome, Sant'Andrea degli Scozzesi, was deconsecrated in 1962. The church has an atrium and narthex, which isolates the church from the busy square outside. There are fragments of early Christian sculpture, many with inscriptions, embedded in the walls of the atrium.The facade was completed in 1703. It has an unusual giant order topped with four baroque statues: San Silvestro by Lorenzo Ouone, Saint Stephen by Michelangelo Borgognone, Saint Clare by Giuseppe Mazzoni and Saint Francis by Vincenzo Felice.High Altar, commissioned in 1518 by Pier Soderini of Florence It is believed that the high altar, which predates the present church, was influenced by the style of Michelangelo. The interior is rich in marble, gilding, and artistic decoration. The nave has an Assumption with Saints frescoed (1680) by Giacinto Brandi. The main altar carved ciborium or canopy (1667) by Carlo Rainaldi. The cupola was frescoed (1605) by Cristoforo Roncalli. A Martyrdom of San Stephan I and a Messengers of Constantine call on San Silvestro (1610) were frescoed in the apse by Orazio Borgianni. In the baptistry apse, there is a Baptism of Constantine by Ludovico Gimignani. The transept has a History of San Silvestro (1690) also by Gimignani, and a Madonna with Child by Baccio Ciarpi.In the first chapel to the right is a Madonna with Child & Saint Anthony of Padua & Stephen I and other saints (1695) by Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari. In the second chapel is a Saint Francis receives stigmata (1610) by Orazio Gentileschi accompanied by paintings of the life of the saint by Luigi Garzi. In the third, a Pentecost by Giuseppe Ghezzi. The left transept has a Madonna & Child by Terenzio Terenzi. In the third chapel on the left is a fresco of the Immaculate Conception by Gimignani. On the walls are an Adoration by the Magi and Visitation by the Milanese il Morrazzone. In the second chapel is a Pope San Marcello has a vision of the Sacred Family and a Transit and Glory of San Giuseppe by Gimignani. In the first chapel are canvases of the Passion (1695) by Francesco Trevisani.

Got married there 20 years ago. We have been back a few times over the years. It has a simple facade but stunning interior. A great history to this church. Well worth a visit.

We were married at San Silvestro 45 years ago. Celebrant was father Tom Ryan. Such a special man who blessed our marriage and made our day so special. The church itself has its own special guest … St John the Baptist. Highly recommend a visit when in Rome. Luke and Janet carroll.

Beautiful old church, very dark, lots of details but hard to check them all because of lighting. Definitely interesting and worth visit. It was very interesting to read about and see details in church from different centuries and artists!

Pretty temple, in need of a consistent renovation. The 5th star goes to St.John the Baptist's head in the side chapel (directly accessible from street after hours, in case needed).

Renaissance church and inside full of frescoes. First chapel on the left house the head of St. John the Baptist. Holy mass in English and Italian. High mass at 5:30 PM in English with choir. San Silvestro Center as multi-ethnic center specially for the Filipino migrants-community organised since 1976.

If you are looking for an English speaking Mass and you are staying in or near Rome Central, this is the perfect place to worship. Warm and inviting.