Rotonda di San Lorenzo facts for kids
The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is a very old, round church located in the city of Mantua, in northern Italy. It is famous for being the oldest church in the entire city.
One of the most interesting things about this church is its location. It sits below the level of the main square, the Piazza delle Erbe. This makes it look like it has sunk into the ground over the centuries. Historians believe it might have been built on the spot where a Roman temple once stood. That temple was likely built to honor the Roman goddess Venus.
History of the Church
The Rotonda di San Lorenzo was built in the late 11th century. This was during the time when the powerful Canossa family ruled the region. The church was named after St. Lawrence, a Christian martyr.
A Special Design
The church's round shape is not an accident. Its design was inspired by the famous Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This style is called a central-plan church because the main altar is in the middle.
Inside, the church has several unique features that have survived for centuries.
- It has a matronaeum, which is a special gallery or balcony that was once used for women to sit during services.
- There are beautiful old wall paintings, called frescoes, from the 11th and 12th centuries. These were painted in a style known as Byzantine.
- Another fresco, added in the 15th century, shows the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence, telling the story of how the saint died.
The church was built mostly with bricks, which was a common style in the Lombard region of Italy. However, builders also used marble for some parts, like the columns. This marble was recycled from even older Roman buildings.
Losing and Finding the Church
For a long time, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo was not used as a church. It was "deconsecrated," meaning it was no longer a holy place. People used the building for other things, like houses and shops.
Over time, other buildings were constructed around and even on top of it. The old church was completely hidden from view. It was not until the early 20th century that people decided to restore it. Workers carefully removed the newer buildings that covered it, revealing the ancient church once again.
