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Sanctuary of St Mary of the Rotonda in Albano Laziale: a Roman nymphaeum turned into a church
Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano Laziale is a church built inside a Roman nymphaeum — which represents a precedent to the Pantheon in Rome. It is located in Via della Travoni, in the Castelli Romani area, and its interior is remarkably charming and beautiful.
A history spanning more than a thousand years
The building began life as a place of worship as early as the 9th century, but its official consecration dates to 1060. From then on, transformation after transformation: changes in the 17th century, in the 19th century, then the 1938 restoration that returned the structure to its original Roman appearance.
What you can see inside
On the central altar there is an ancient icon of the Madonna and Child. Fragments of frescoes remain on the right, in the apses. The best preserved one depicts the "story of the true cross", probably from the 14th century. On the right altar, a 13th-century fresco attributed to Cavallini portrays St Anne, St Ambrose and St John. All the altars are carved from ancient architectural fragments from the Severan period. The artefacts in the sacristy and in the bell tower chamber date from the same era.
Practical information
The sanctuary is located in Via della Travoni, 14 — Albano Laziale (RM).
