Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio
Built before the 10th century, it was originally dedicated to Saint Boniface, and it was only in 1217 that Honorius III rededicated it to Saint Alexis. In 1750, Tommaso De Marchis carried out a complete renovation, creating the current facade with a portico topped by a balustrade. The Romanesque bell tower on the right is beautiful.
The interior, featuring a barrel vault, is divided into three naves. The high altar is also by De Marchis, set beneath a large domed ciborium (altar canopy) with Greek marble columns.
In the left nave, a work by Jean François de Troy depicts Saint Jerome Emiliani presenting orphans to the Virgin Mary. At the back, protected by a glass pane and supported by angels and cherubs, is the "wooden staircase" from the legend of Saint Alexis.
According to legend, Saint Alexis, son of Senator Euphemianus, left home on his wedding day. After a long period of penance, he returned to his home unrecognized and asked for hospitality as a servant, sleeping in the space beneath the stairs. He lived like this for 17 years; on his deathbed, he revealed his life story to the Pope, who, after Alexis's death, recounted it to the father and the bride.
In the right nave lies the tomb of Antonio Mancini, a painter (1852–1930), and in the transept is an image venerated by Saint Alexis in Edessa, known as the Madonna of the Intercession.
In the apse, only two of the 19 small columns sculpted by Giacomo Cosma remain, one of which is signed by the artist (Jqacobus Laurentii fecit).
By Pietro Gagliardi, The Madonna Appears to Saint Jerome Emiliani stands on the altar of the left transept, and a well-preserved section of Cosmatesque flooring can be admired in the presbytery.
The Crypt is Romanesque—unique of its kind in Rome—featuring a canopy altar and 12th and 13th-century frescoes.
The records of Rome. Big numbers, not always enviable, for a big city.
New Phot-O-Matic section. To spend some time looking at photos (also) of Rome.
The administrative, urban, toponymic and imaginative subdivisions of Rome.
Notice for tourists: in Rome you drink for free. Historical fountains and 'big noses'.
Free museums return on the first Sunday of the month.
