Church of San Pantaleo

The Church of San Pantaleo, located in the Parione district of Rome, is one of the lesser-known but equally fascinating Baroque churches in the city. Built in the 17th century by Francesco da Volterra and Carlo Rainaldi, the church is dedicated to San Pantaleo, a Christian martyr from the 4th century. The facade of the church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with its Corinthian columns and elegant decorations. The interior features a single nave, flanked by richly decorated side chapels with frescoes and works of art. Of particular interest is the main altar, adorned with a painting of San Pantaleo attributed to Giovanni Battista Gaulli, known as il Baciccio. This painting, with its vibrant colors and dynamic composition, is an extraordinary example of Roman Baroque painting. An interesting anecdote concerns the church’s crypt, which houses the relics of San Pantaleo. The crypt is a place of great devotion, visited by pilgrims from around the world, and offers an extraordinary testimony to the long history of the saint’s cult.