Santa Sabina, Rome
Exterior view of Santa Sabina. Photo by Melanie Bateman.
Santa Sabina is closely patterned on a Roman imperial basilica. GFDL.
Portico next to the entrance. Photo by Anthony M.
Santa Sabina's ancient doors include one of the earliest depictions of the
Crucifixion. Photo by Edith OSB.
Interior view of Santa Sabina. Photo by Cate Fuller.
Mosaic inscription. Photo by Cate Fuller.
Santa Sabina is widely considered the best example of an early Christian church in Rome. It dates from 422 AD, and its original wooden doors from are still intact.
History
Santa Sabina was built on the site of the Temple of Juno Regina, the patroness of Rome's Etruscan archrival, Veii, who was seduced into switching sides in 392 BC. She and her temple were martyred to the Christian cause.
In 1936 much of the ancient church was restored to its original appearance, and today it is one of Rome's most beautiful churches. It is the center of the Dominican order in Rome and its Cardinal Priest is Jozef Cardinal Tomko.
What to See
The 5th-century doors are themselves worth the visit. They are handsomely carved with Bible scenes, including one that depicts the Crucifixion, one of the earliest examples of this in the Western world. You'll find it carved on the door at the end of a "porch" from the 1400s, which also contains ancient sarcophagi.
The surviving two dozen Corinthian columns might have come from Rome's Temple of Juno. The delicate windows were pieced together from 9th-century fragments.
In the floor of the nave is Rome's only surviving mosaic tomb, dating to around 1300.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Santa Sabina |
| Type of site: | Monastic church |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic (Dominican order) |
| Date: | 422 AD |
| Hours: | Daily 7:30-12:30 & 3:30-5:30pm |
| Location: | Piazza Pietro d'Iliria |
| Bus: | 23 or 280 |
| Phone: | 06-5743573 |
| Cost: | Free admission |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Santa Sabina. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Rome Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
Travel Resources
- Rome Map - an interactive aerial view, right here on Sacred Destinations
- Rome Guided Tours & Day Trips - book sightseeing tours and other activities before you leave home
- Rome Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews and ratings from fellow travelers
- Rome Travel Forum - get tips, advice and answers on travel to Rome
- Rome Car Rentals - do some traveling outside Rome with the freedom of your own wheels
