San Lorenzo in Panisperna

where: Via Panisperna, 90
open: unavailable
getting there: short walk from Santa Maria Maggiore or metro line B - Cavour (6 minute walk)

San Lorenzo in Panisperna was built in the 16th century. The church was dedicated to Saint Lawrence, who supposedly quipped, whilst being burnt alive on a gridiron in the 3rd century – 'turn me over, I'm done on this side!'– not surprisingly he is the patron saint of comedians, chefs and cooks.

If you are lucky to find the church open step inside to see the beautiful interior decorated with gilt stucco, marbles and frescoes.

At the main altar is a whole wall fresco depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence by Pasquale Cati surrounded by gilt and stucco angels and putti. The ceiling fresco, the Apotheosis of Saint Lawrence, was by Antonio Bicchieria and dates to 1706.