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Santa Lucia in Selci St Lucy at Selci

82 Via in Selci 00184 Roma Tel. 06 48 27 623

Church dedicated to St Lucy, 4th century virgin and martyr. History

The church was built no later than the 8th century above the ruins of a Roman structure, the Portico of Livia. The tradition claiming that the first church was built under Pope Symmachus (498-514) is uncertain, but not unlikely. It is documented that it was restored by Pope Honorius (625-638), and again by Pope Leo III (795-816).

In the 13th century, a monastery was built on the site, enclosing the church. 1370, the church was granted to the Carthusians. In 1534, it was given to the Benedictines, and in 1568 Pope Pius V granted it to the Augustinians, who still serve the church.

It was reconstructed by Carlo Maderno in 1604. He kept it enclosed within the Augustinian monastery.

Pope Urban VIII altered the monastery in 1624, enlarging it and dividing it into three parts. One was kept by the Augustinians, one was given to Dominican friars and the last was given to the Poor Clares.

The church was restored 1637-1638 by Borromini.

The Poor Clares from the convent adjacent to San Lorenzo in Panisperna. came here in 1878, after the secular authorities had forced them to leave that convent. Exterior

The wooden door is from the 17th century. To the left of the entrance, you can see traces of a 5th century building, with travertine pilasters.

In the atrium wall is a wooden wheel with drawers with which abandoned newborn children were given to the Poor Clares. Interior

The church has a single nave with three chapels on each side. The barrel vault has a 19th century fresco by Giovanni Antonio Lelli, depicting the Glory of St Lucy.

On the counterfaçade is the cantory, designed by Borromini, and God the Father by Cavaliere d'Arpino.

The Landi Chapel is the first chapel on the left. It was designed by Borromini, and is decorated with The Holy Trinity, Saint Augustine and St Monica by Cavaliere d'Arpino.

The tabernacle in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the second on the left, is in polychrome marble and gilt bronze. It, and the alabaster statues in the chapel, are attributed to Carlo Maderno. The high altar itself is from the 19th century, and replaces one made by Borromini. The mensa of the older altar was reused. The altarpiece by Anastasio FOntebuoni depicts the Annunciation.

At the first altar on the right is the Martyrdom of St Lucy by Giovanni Lanfranco.

The Vision of St Augustine by Andrea Camassei is at the second altar on the right.

The choir is attributed to Francesco Borromini. Special notes

The church is usually closed on weekdays. After ascending the steps leading to the door, you will find the church entrance on the left and the convent gate on the right. If the church is closed, ring the bell by the convent gate (within reasonable hours), and ask to be let in. Many of the sisters are from the Philippines, so you should be able to find someone who speaks English. There is no entrance fee, but a donation should be given. You will find it open on Sunday mornings.

The feast of St Lucy is celebrated with great solemnity on 13 December.