The Church of the Santi Andrea and Bartolomeo is located near the Basilica of St. John of Lateran in the Monti district of Rome. Its main attractions are the cosmatesque floor and the fresco above the altar.
A brief history of the Church of the Santi Andrea and Bartolomeo in Rome
The Santi Andrea and Bartolomeo Church was built in the 7th century, on the site where Pope Honorius I was born. In the 14th century a restoration took place and in 1634 it was completely rebuilt. The reconstruction was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini, who immediately had the San Giovanni Hospital built. The architect was Giacomo Mola.
The last major reconstruction took place in 1730, under Pope Benedetto XIII Orsini.
The inconspicuous facade is characterized by pillars reaching up to the tympanum on the sides and flanking the entrance door.
The single nave interior is irregular in shape.
What to see
- The cosmatesque floor was laid in 1462.
- In a niche above the altar, there is a Byzantine fresco that originally decorated the walls of the no longer existing Santa Maria Imperatrice Church.
What to see nearby
Courtyard
The gate to the right of the facade leads to a picturesque arch which gives access to the hospital courtyard. Here you can see an old, overgrown fountain and some modern sculptures. It is also a nice spot to just sit down and relax a bit.
The Baroque fountain was commissioned in 1603 by Pope Clement VIII Aldobrandini. The marble plaque at the top expresses gratitude for the pope’s gesture. the coats of arms on the side belong to the Ricci and Aldobrandini families. Unfortunately, the moss and the accumulated limestone render it impossible to see what the subject of the fountain is.
Useful information
The address of the Chiesa dei Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo is Via San Giovanni in Laterano, 280/a – 00184 Rome (tel. unknown). Neighborhood: Monti. Streetcar: 12, 15, 23, 27. Bus: 54, N15, NM1, NM3. Opening Hours: The church is currently closed.
Via San Giovanni in Laterano, 280/a – Rome