The Church's History
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Ancient BeginningsThe Macellum Magnum was a large, two-story indoor food market constructed by Emperor Nero in 59 CE on Rome's Caelian Hill, primarily for selling meat and fish. It was considered one of such an important structure It was even found on Roman coins from that time period. Much of its architecture is known from coins of the time. It likely had a domed, circular section surrounded by a large square area with a two-story portico supported by 22 inner columns and 36 outer columns.
A Map of ancient Rome with the Santo Stefano Site marked in red
The original building fell into disrepair by the 5th century and was converted into the church of St. Stefano Rotondo
- Mid-5th Century (~455): Construction was commissioned by Pope Leo I.
- The church was consecrated by Pope Simplicius (468–483) and dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr
- 6th Century: The interior was embellished with mosaics and colored marble by Popes John I and Felix IV.
- 1139–1143: Pope Innocent II conducted a major restoration, downsized the structure for better support.
- 1450s: After falling into extreme disrepair and losing its roof, the church was restored by sculptor Bernardo Rossellinounder & Pope Nicholas V.
- 1454: The church was entrusted to the Pauline Fathers, a Hungarian order, beginning its long-standing association as Hungary’s national church in Rome.
- 1580: Transferred to the Jesuits who transformed into a specialized educational and meditative environment for the German-Hungarian College Seminary
Modern day Rome with Santo Stefano marked in red.
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