Church of San Teodoro al Palatino

The Church of San Teodoro on the Palatine Hill, located at the foot of the Palatine Hill, is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Founded in the 6th century, the church is dedicated to San Teodoro of Amasea, a Christian martyr. The church has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries, but still retains many elements of the original paleo-Christian structure. The facade of the church is simple and austere, with a columned portico that introduces visitors to an atmosphere of great solemnity. The interior is characterized by a circular plan, typical of paleo-Christian churches, and decorated with frescoes and mosaics of great artistic and historical value. Of particular interest is the iconostasis, a marble structure decorated with Byzantine icons, which separates the nave from the altar. This iconostasis, dating back to the 7th century, is an extraordinary example of paleo-Christian and Byzantine art. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of a series of 9th-century frescoes during the restoration work of the church in the 20th century. These frescoes, depicting scenes from the life of San Teodoro, are one of the oldest testimonies of Christian art in Rome.