San Saba Review

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San Saba

  • Address: Piazza Gianlorenzo Bernini 20, Via San Saba, Aventino, Rome | Map It
  • Phone: 06/5743352

Fodor's Review:

A medieval church with an almost rustic interior and Cosmatesque mosaic pavement, San Saba harbors a hodgepodge of ancient marble pieces and, on the aisle on the left-hand side of the church, a curious fresco cycle painted by an unknown 13th-century artist. The most famous scene shows three young girls lying naked on a bed. Unlikely as it may seem, this is actually an illustration of the good works of St. Nicholas—the girls are naked because their impoverished father (at right) sees no future for them but prostitution. Outside the window, however, St. Nick is about to save the day, by tossing a bag of gold coins in the window to keep the family from a life of shame.

  • Open: Daily 7-noon and 4-6
  • Metro: Circo Massimo
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