Santa Francesca Romana (Rome)

Italy / Lazio / Rome / Piazza di Santa Francesca Romana
 basilica, Roman Catholic church

Church of Santa Francesca Romana, ex-Santa Maria Nova (to distinguish it from another church in the Forum, S. M. Antiqua). Built in the 9th century, received the tower in the 12th century.

The ancient oratory on which the current church is built was located by Pope Paul I on the place in which Simon Magus died. According to this legend, Simon Magus wanted to prove his powers as stronger than those of the apostles, and started levitating in front of Sts. Peter and Paul. The two apostles fell on their knees preaching, and Simon fell, dying.
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Coordinates:   41°53'27"N   12°29'20"E
This article was last modified 11 years ago