Chiesa di SS Giovanni e Paolo

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  • Address
    Piazza di SS Giovanni e Paolo, Campitelli
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  • Phone
    06 700 57 45
  • Transport
    underground rail: Colosseo or Circo Massimo

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Lonely Planet review

Dedicated to Sts John and Paul, this 4th-century church retains little of its original edifice - the façade is 12th century and the brassy interior is 18th century. The arches in the square are the remains of 3rd-century Roman shops.

More impressive than the church are the excavations of various Case Romane (Roman Houses) underneath (06 704 54 544; www.caseromane.it; adult/under 12yr/12-18yr & over 65yr around €6 /free/4; ; - & - Thu-Mon). According to tradition this is where John and Paul lived before they were beheaded by Constantine II's anti-Christian successor, Julian, for refusing to serve in his court. There's no direct evidence for this, although research has revealed that the houses were used for Christian worship. There are more than 20 rooms, many of them richly decorated. To get to the excavations continue down Clivo di Scauro to the left of the church, and enter the door before the last arch on the right. Guided tours are available in English on request.