Santi Marcellino e Pietro
From Churches of Rome Wiki
Santi Marcellino e Pietro Sts Marcellinus and Peter
162 Via Merulana 00185 Roma Tel. 06 70 49 58 92 Fax 06 70 05 48 0
Church dedicated to the 4rd century Roman martyrs Marcellinus and Peter. History
The first church here was built by Pope Siricius in the 4th century, close to the Via Labicana catacombs. A hospice which became a centre for pilgrims was located here.
It was restored by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century.
The relics of the martyrs Marcellinus and Peter were brought to the church in 1256, and the church was restored the same years on order from Pope Alexander IV. Twenty years later, the hospice and church were given to the Confraternity of those Commended to the Saviour.
The present church is the result of Pope Benedict XIV's rebuilding in 1751. At that time, the church was given to the Discalced Carmelites, who served it until 1906. Since 1911, it has been a parochial church served by diocesan clergy. Exterior
The church stands below the present street-level.
The exterior is cube-shaped and divided by pilaster strips, in a style close to Neo-Classicism. The façade was designed by Girolamo Theodoli. Interior
The church has a nice stepped dome, and an interior which is clearly influenced by the work of Borromini. It has a Greek cross plan.
The altarpiece by Gaetano Lapis, painted in 1751, depicts the Martyrdom of Sts Marcellinus and Peter. Underneath the mensa is an urn with relics of the martyr St Marcia.
The altar on the right side is dedicated to St Gregory the Great. The altarpiece shows The Mass of St Gregory, by Filippo Evangelisti. Next to it as a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes; the ceiling was painted by N. Caselli in 1903.
On the left side is an altar dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, with a copy of Guido Reni's The Virgin in Glory with Angels, St Joseph and St Rita. Next to it is the Chapel of Reconciliation.
On the first column on the left from the entrance is an image of Sts Marcellinus and Peter, placed here in 1256, with an inscription recording Pope Alexander IV's restoration of that year. Special notes
This is the station church for the third Saturday of Lent.
Feast that are celebrated with special solemnity here are those of Our Lady of Lourdes, 11 Fenruary and Sts Marcellinus and Peter, 2 June (celebrated first Sunday in June).
