Basilica S. Alessio Church (Rome)

 church, basilica, Order of Saint Benedict, Roman Catholic church

an ancient church dedicated to St Alexis. In the 10th century, the church became a centre for the Benedictines, and a departure point for some of the most important evangelizers at that time; St Adalbert of Prague once set out from this church on his mission.
It was built in the 3rd or 4th century, and originally dedicated to St Boniface the Martyr. It is therefore sometimes referred to as Santi Boniface e Alessio. In the 8th century, it became a diaconia.
In 1217, it was also dedicated to St Alexis, the name by which it is known today.
The present church was built in the time of Pope Honorius III (1216–1227), and altered by T. de Marchis in 1750 on the orders of Angelo Maria Quirini. After 1846, when the Somaschi Fathers were installed here, further alterations have been carried out.
Five bell-towers from the 13th century rebuilding have been preserved.