Santi Vito e Modesto
From Churches of Rome Wiki
| Santi Vito e Modesto | |
|---|---|
| | |
| English name: | Sts Vitus and Modestus |
| Dedication: | St Vitus and Modesto |
| Denomination: | Roman Catholic |
| Titular church | Cardinal Betti |
| Built: | |
| Architect(s): | |
| Artists: | |
| Contact data | |
| Address: | 47 Via Carlo Alberto 00185 Roma |
| Phone: | 06 44 65 836 |
| Fax: | 06 44 63 494 |
| Homepage: | Official Site |
Santi Vito e Modesto is dedicated to the two martyrs Sts Vitus and Modestus, that lived in the fourth century.
[edit] History
An ancient church stood here until 1474, when Pope Sixtus IV had the present one built. It is first mentioned during the reign of Pope Leo III (795-816). A deaconry is mentioned in the 11th century.
The church has been a cardinal deaconry since the time of Pope Leo III. Since then it was raised twice to the rank of a title church. Among the deacons were Ascanio Maria Sforza, Reginald Pole, Carlo Borromeo and Francesco Maria Mancini. The current cardinal deacon is Umberto Cardinal Betti O.F.M..
It was altered several times, but in 1973-1977 it was brought back to its 15th century state.
It's a parochial church, in the Parish of Santa Maria Maggiore in San Vito.
[edit] Exterior
The façade has two-mullioned Gothic-style windows. They were brought back into view in the 20th restoration along with the marble entrance.
[edit] Interior
Two unusual altars are found in niches in the church; one has a statue of Christ and the other one of the Madonna.
The so-called "Stone of Iniquity" can be seen in the church, although it is protected behind a grate. It was believed to have been used as an instrument in the martyrdom of many Christians, but is in fact a Roman funeral pillar.
