San Bonaventura al Palatino

where: Via di San Bonaventura

getting there: Metro Linea B Colosseo, then head towards the Colosseum

information: walk down Via Sacra (the street behind the Arco di Costantino, near the Colosseum) then onto Via di San Bonaventura which is a dead-end street. The church is surrounded by the archaeological area of the Palatine Hill and Forum. There is no entrance onto this street from the Palatine Hill.

open: weekdays 7:00am – 19:00

San Bonaventura al Palatino is a 17th century  church built for the Franciscans by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, whose family owned the surrounding land.

The church was dedicated to Doctor of the Church, Saint Bonaventure, a Medieval Franciscan scolar and philosopher. 

On the road leading to the church are Stations of the Cross in individual niches that date to 1772. The last two stations are on the church facade with a statue above of Saint Bonaventure.

Inside 

There are three altarpieces by Baroque painter, Giovanni Battista Benaschi. 

In the second chapel on the right is an altarpiece by Baroque artist and engraver, Giacinto Calandrucci.