Santa Francesca Romana - Roman Forum, Rome - Beneath a Gilded Coffered Ceiling

The richly decorated nave of Santa Francesca Romana leads beneath an elaborate coffered ceiling toward the medieval mosaics and high altar of the historic basilica.

The richly decorated interior of the Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana stretches toward the high altar and apse, beneath an elaborate painted and gilded coffered ceiling. At the far end of the single nave, the apse preserves a remarkable 12th-century mosaic depicting the Madonna and Child with saints, providing a medieval focal point within an interior transformed during later centuries. Standing beside the Roman Forum and close to the Temple of Venus and Roma, the basilica was historically known as Santa Maria Nova and occupies a site with a long Christian history. The church contains works from several periods, including the sculptural group of the Confession designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Maratta's painting of the Nativity. Its sacristy also preserves the ancient Madonna Glycophilusa, a precious Marian icon originating from nearby Santa Maria Antiqua. Since 1352, Santa Francesca Romana has been entrusted to the Benedictine monks of Monte Oliveto, continuing a religious tradition extending across many centuries.