Church of San Silvestro al Quirinale

Address

Via Ventiquattro Maggio, 10, Rome, 00187, Italy

Description

The Church of San Silvestro al Quirinale, located in the Trevi district, has ancient origins dating back to the 9th-11th centuries, when it was known as “in Biberatica” due to its proximity to Via Biberatica.

The history of this sacred building is marked by renovations, modifications, and changes in management, entrusted to various religious orders.

In 1507, Pope Julius II granted custody of the church to the Dominicans of the Congregation of San Marco, who promoted the reconstruction of the single-nave plan with two chapels on each side, a dome, and a deep presbytery, as well as the construction of the adjoining convent. In 1555, the church passed to the Theatines, who made it a training house for novices, and a campaign to renovate the façade and interior decoration was launched. Three centuries later, San Silvestro al Quirinale was purchased by the state and used as the headquarters of the Military Engineers. It was subsequently converted into a barracks until, following the widening and lowering of the street level toward Via Nazionale, it returned to its sacred role. The façade and two chapels were demolished during this period, along with a nine-meter drop that created a “floating” effect within the church.