The Sacro Cuore di Gesu a Castro Pretorio Church is a relatively new church in Rome. It is located in the Via Marsala, right by the main railway station Roma Termini. It was built between 1879 and 1887, by San Giovanni Bosco, who was helped by Francesco Vespignani.
Sacro Cuore di Gesu a Castro Pretorio Church Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: Via Marsala, 42 – Rome (District: Castro Pretorio). Tel.: +39 064453257. Public transport: Metro: Termini. Opening hours: Monday to friday from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 16.00 to 18.30.Closed: Saturday, sunday. Admission: Free.
History and description
The neo-Renaissance travertine façade consists of an entrance portal between two smaller portals on the lower half and three windows divided by columns on the upper half. The whole is topped off with a triangular gable.
The most striking part of the church is its bell-tower, which is crowned by an enormous copper statue of Jezus.
The three naves are separated by granite columns. Most of the decorations in the church itself are by Virginio Monti.
Don Bosco
In the back of the church the room Don Bosco stayed in when he was in Rome (1887) for the consecration of the church can be seen. The wall between his bedroom and his study has been removed, in order to create more space for visitors who wish to pray here. Two of the miracles that helped elevate Don Bosco to sainthood were performed in this room. Amongst the relics there is a cotton wad with the saint’s blood on it.