Santa Bibiana

Map
Church of Santa Bibiana, Rome
Santa Bibiana
The church of Santa Bibiana was founded in the 5th century. The present church is the result of a 17th century remodelling by Bernini, which was ordered by Pope Urban VIII (r. 1623-44) as part of the preparations for the Holy Year of 1625.

Bernini added a new façade and a new portico; created two small chapels at the end of the side aisles and replaced the original apse. Bernini also carved the marble statue of Santa Bibiana. 
Interior of Church of Santa Bibiana, Rome
Nave
The walls are decorated with frescoes (1624-5) by Agostino Ciampelli and Pietro da Cortona. The latter painted the frescoes that depict the condemnation and death of Demetria, Bibiana's sister; the matron Rufina who tries to lead Bibiana into temptation; and the flagellation of the Saint.
Santa Bibiana by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, church of Santa Bibiana, Rome
Santa Bibiana by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
​Santa Bibiana is believed to have been scourged to death during the persecutions that took place during the brief reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-63), for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

The trunk of the column to which the saint is believed to have been tied is protected by a gilded bronze grating. Scrapings from the column were held to have healing properties and were thought to be especially effective against epilepsy. The saint is also invoked by those suffering from headaches and hangovers.