Piazza San Silvestro

Piazza di San Silvestro is one of the most central and dynamic places in Rome, located in the heart of the historic center, between Via del Corso and Via delle Convertite. The square owes its name to the Church of San Silvestro in Capite, an ancient place of worship that represents an important spiritual and architectural reference point. The Church of San Silvestro in Capite, built in the 8th century, was originally dedicated to Pope Sylvester I of the 4th century. The church is particularly famous for housing what is believed to be the head of Saint John the Baptist, an important relic venerated by the faithful. The facade of the church, designed by Francesco da Volterra and Carlo Maderno, is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture, with a series of Corinthian columns that give it a majestic and solemn appearance. The square itself has undergone several transformations over the centuries. Originally, the area was part of the monastic complex of the Convertite, founded in the 13th century and dedicated to the conversion of penitent women. The Convertite monastery was a place of refuge and rehabilitation, and its presence influenced the history and development of the square. In the 19th century, the square became a crucial hub for the city’s public transportation, with the construction of the horse-drawn carriage station and, subsequently, electric trams. This central role in urban mobility has helped transform Piazza di San Silvestro into an important hub for residents and visitors. A distinctive feature of the square is the Palazzo Marignoli, a historic building that now houses offices and shops. Built in 1873 by architect Salvatore Bianchi, the palace is an example of eclectic architecture, with neoclassical and Renaissance influences. The building has recently been renovated, preserving its historical charm and integrating modern commercial spaces, including a famous café that recalls the atmosphere of ancient Roman literary cafés. Piazza di San Silvestro has undergone significant urban redevelopment in recent years, transforming from an area mainly dedicated to vehicular traffic into a welcoming pedestrian space. This intervention has improved the accessibility and usability of the square, making it an ideal place for walking, meeting, and enjoying the surrounding architectural beauties. The redevelopment has also led to the enhancement of historical and artistic elements in the square. Among these, the monument to San Silvestro, a statue erected in 1909 in honor of the saint of the same name, which dominates one side of the square. The statue, made of white marble, depicts San Silvestro in a blessing pose, symbolizing protection and spiritual guidance. An interesting anecdote concerns the statue of San Silvestro: it is said that during the construction of the statue, the workers found an ancient Roman inscription under the base of the statue, a discovery that testified to the historical importance of the area since antiquity. This episode added an additional layer of mystery and charm to the history of the square.