San Vitale

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Map of the Churches of Rome

San Vitale

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The ancient church of Santi Vitale e Compagni Martiri in Fovea, better known as San Vitale, is dedicated to the martyrs St Vitalis, his wife St Valeria and his sons St Gervase and St Protase. 

San Vitale, which sits at the bottom of a steep flight of steps on the Via Nazionale, was founded in the 5th century. The church has been restored several times, but its fine portico is thought to have been a part of the original building.

Entrance Door

The wooden door, with its carved reliefs, dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. The relief panels depict the martyrdoms of St Gervase and St Protase. ​

Nave

​The interior comprises a single nave. The frescoes on the walls of the nave were executed by Tarquinio Ligustri (1564 - c. 1621) and completed in 1603. There are inscriptions under each scene, explaining whose martyrdom is depicted, and above each is a depiction of a prophet or a window. The scenes are separated by trompe-l'oeil columns painted on the flat wall. 

Apse

The apse has been preserved from the original basilica. 

High Altar

The painting on the high altar depicts Saints Vitalis, Valeria, Gervase and Protase and is the work of Andrea Commodi (1560-1648). 

The Ascent to Calvary by Andrea Commodi

​​The frescoes in the apse are also the work of  Commodi. The fresco in the conch depicts The Ascent to Calvary, while  the frescoes flanking the high altar depict The Flogging of St Gervase (left) and The Beheading of St Protase.

St Vitale on the Rack

The two large frescoes in the sanctuary are by Agostino Ciampelli (1577-1642). To the left is St Vitalis being racked, while to the right he is being buried alive. 

Right Wall of Sanctuary

The statues in the niches, the work of Giovanni Battista Fiammeri (1530-1606), depict the four Latin Doctors of the Church. On the left there is St Jerome and St Ambrose, while to the right are St Augustine and Pope St Gregory the Great. 

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