Rating
5/5 (based on Google user reviews)
The structure of the St Peblig's Church has thirteenth century origins although much of the present fabric is of the fourteenth century. A tower and chapel were added in the sixteenth century, and there were further minor alterations in the eighteenth and ninteenth centuries before major restoration work was undertaken in 1894.
The church is constructed of coursed rubble walls with a slate roof and coped gables. It is notable for its imposing 3-storey western tower and has a high quality, late medieval arch-braced roof. There is a sixteenth century alabaster tomb in the north-eastern chapel, and some evidence of wall painting, including scrollwork in a tomb recess that is probably of medieval date.
References:The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.
The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.
