Basilica di Santo Stefano

Overview

Known as "Sette Chiese" (Seven Churches), this extraordinary complex is a group of interconnected religious buildings dating from the 5th to the 13th century, built on the site of a Roman temple of Isis.

Highlights

• Cortile di Pilato: A serene courtyard centered on an 8th-century marble basin.
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: A reproduction of Christ's tomb in Jerusalem.
• Romanesque Cloister: A beautifully peaceful two-level cloister with slender brick columns.

History

Saint Petronius conceived the complex in the 5th century as a reproduction of the holy sites of Jerusalem. The buildings incorporate Lombard, Romanesque, and Gothic elements.

Visitor Tips

• Quiet visit: Visit early morning for near-solitude.
• Free entry: Access to all the interconnected spaces is free.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.