San Lorenzo in Panisperna

---

Map of the Churches of Rome

---

According to popular belief, the 16th century church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna stands on the site of the martyrdom of St Lawrence, the third century Roman deacon. 

The Martyrdom of St Lawrence by Pasquale Cati

The interior comprises a single nave with three chapels on each side.

Sanctuary Arch

The arch of the sanctuary is crowned with two stucco angels, who hold a Baroque tablet proclaiming the triumph of St Lawrence to be greater than that of other martyrs and the nature of his death more cruel.

The enormous fresco behind the high altar depicts The Martyrdom of St Lawrence and is the work of Pasquale Cati (c. 1550 - c. 1620). According to legend, St Lawrence was roasted alive on a gridiron. 

Vault

The gilded relief in the centre of the vault of the sanctuary depicts The Glory of St Lawrence.  

Nuns' Gallery

The interior was restored in the middle of the 18th century, as an inscription under the nuns' gallery, at the back of the church, records.

The Apotheosis of St Lawrence by Antonio Bicchierai

The fresco in the vault of the nave depicts The Apotheosis of St Lawrence, the work of the Roman painter Antonio Bicchierai (1688-1766).

---