The San Biagio degli Armeni Church is located in the Via Giulia in Rome. It is also known under the name San Biagio della Pagnotta. The main attraction is a painting by Pietro da Cortona. It is the national church of the Armenian community in Rome.
San Biagio degli Armeni Church Rome
Useful information
The address of the Chiesa di San Biagio degli Armeni is Via Giulia, 63 – Rome (tel. +39 0668804891). Bus: 46, 62, 64, 116, 916, 916F, N5, N15, N20. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 08:00 and from 16:30 to 19:00; Sunday from 16:30 to 18:30. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
History and Description
Built before the 10th century, the San Biagio degli Armeni Church is dedicated to a 4th-century Armenian bishop and martyr, venerated in the Roman liturgy as the patron saint of throat diseases.
After an earlier restoration in 1072, the church was completely reconstructed by Giovanni Antonio Perfetti in 1730.
The facade has a single level. The entrance door, crowned by a fresco depicting San Biagio, is flanked by four pillars.
The interior was renovated by Filippo Navone in 1832 and consists of a single nave.
The church was given the name San Biagio della Pagnotta in the 16th century, after people started handing out small consecrated rolls (pagnotte) on the saint’s feast day (February 3rd). The rolls were said to be beneficial against all kinds of diseases.
What to see
The fresco depicting “Angels Adoring the Sacrament” was painted by Pietro da Cortona.
A depiction of the “Madonna delle Grazie”.
Among the relics kept in the church there is also a part of the throat of San Biagio.