Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere (Basilica of St Cecilia in Trastevere), Rome

This basilica is a tribute to St. Cecilia, a noblewoman and the revered patron saint of musicians. During the early days of Christianity in ancient Rome, she suffered a prolonged and extraordinary death, believed to have been orchestrated by Emperor Diocletian around AD 300. In an attempt to quietly eliminate aristocrats, she was first subjected to suffocation in the baths of her own house, but this method proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, she faced the executioner, who struck her three times with a sword, yet astonishingly, the young girl did not succumb. She bravely endured for several days, using her remaining time to convert others to Christianity, until she eventually passed away.

In 1595, St. Cecilia's body was exhumed and appeared remarkably well-preserved, as if she were still alive. Witnessing this poignant sight, the sculptor Stefano Maderno created a sculpture beneath the main altar that faithfully captured her appearance.

If you plan to visit, it is advisable to arrive in the morning and explore the secluded convent, where you can witness the remnants of Pietro Cavallini's "Last Judgment". Painted in 1293, this remarkable fresco is the sole surviving major artwork attributed to Cavallini, a contemporary of the renowned artist Giotto.

To access the frescoes, simply ring the bell of the convent located to the left of the church entrance between 10am and 12pm on weekdays.