Church of San Bernardo alle Terme

The Church of San Bernardo alle Terme is one of the most unique churches in Rome, located near the Baths of Diocletian. Built in the 16th century, the church was constructed inside one of the rotundas of the ancient Roman baths, reusing the original structure to create an extraordinary place of worship. The church is dedicated to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, an important Cistercian saint and reformer. The facade of the church is simple and austere, in contrast to the interior which surprises with its spaciousness and brightness. The central rotunda is covered by a dome frescoed with scenes from the life of Saint Bernard, the work of Giovanni Odazzi. Of particular interest is the main altar, decorated with a beautiful painting of Saint Cecilia by Giovanni Odazzi. This painting is considered a masterpiece of Roman Baroque art and an extraordinary example of the artistic mastery of the time. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of ancient Roman inscriptions and architectural fragments during the construction of the church. These artifacts have been integrated into the structure of the church and are still visible today, offering a testimony of the long and complex history of the site.