The Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana is located in a very central and fundamental place for ancient and modern Rome: the Roman Forum. Consequently, it is very easy for me to pass by the church during one of my tours in the political center, and beyond, of the city of the roman emperors. But even when I have the chance to enter I am always amazed by the idea of how this basilica is a perfect symbol of the evolution that Rome had, from an architectural, historical and religious point of view. An evolution that makes this city, in all respects, the Eternal City .

Originally this place of Christian worship was called Santa Maria Nova to differentiate it from another church, Santa Maria Antiqua, which stood (recently reopened and which I recommend visiting) on the slopes of the Palatine Hill. The Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana was founded by Leo IV in 850 AD, just three years after the burial of Santa Maria Antiqua due to an earthquake. It was, therefore, a way not to lose "contact" with the Roman Forum which represented the city itself. Such an ancient church could not fail to undergo changes and modifications which, over the centuries, have shaped its beauty and versatility. Even today it is possible to see, for example, some of the architectural remains (especially marble inlays) from the ancient Roman temple of Venus and Rome, on which the current basilica rests (a very classic example of recycling and reuse of ancient materials). During the Middle Ages, the church was governed by the Canons Regular from Lucca and then by the Benedictines. Today, in the galleries that run around the beautiful medieval cloister, the Antiquarium of the Forum is installed. It is a unique place in the world as it is possible to admire archaeological evidence, some truly archaic, found during excavations in the Forum area. Apart from this, however, I would like to mention the reason why, today, this basilica is dedicated to Santa Francesca Romana. We are in 1440, when the saint was buried here. Who was this Francesca? Called "Ceccolella", she was a great example of faith , respect and mercy. At just 12 years old she was forced to marry a man from the Ponziani family. Despite this marriage of interest, which united her to a noble family, the young Francesca had only one idea in mind: to be good. It is said, therefore, that the Ponziani house was always full of poor, destitute and sick people, to whom the pious Francesca lent a hand as best she could. Imagine the diatribes and arguments between her and her husband , as well as his father... apart from this, and in spite of this I would say, she managed to give her husband three children, two of whom however did not survive for long. Only one, Battista, had better luck for a little, until he himself fell ill with the plague. Francesca, always keen to bring joy and help to the sick, did her best especially with her son, even managing to heal him.

Her greatest sacrifice, however, was that she herself contracted the plague, which led to her death. A sad story perhaps, rich in Christian charity and mercy, which nevertheless brought the basilica dedicated to her to the center of attention. A history that has allowed this church to be renamed in honor of a saint who became a very clear example of Christian virtue, so powerful that her memory lives on inside this basilica seen, perhaps distractedly, by the millions of visitors who visit the Forum annually Roman. But trust me when I tell you that you shouldn't miss this church...