The Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana has one of the best locations in Rome. Situated between the Colosseum and the Roman forum, the church hides up a small ramp and offers a glimpse at the Arch of Titus.
That it is pretty special.
But what makes the church even more special (to me), is the fact that Saint Francesca Romana is the patron saint of car drivers. That means that on her feast day, the 9th of March, cars and especially taxis park as close as possible to the church to receive her blessing.
I imagine that Roman cab drivers get cursed quite a bit, so this small church must mean big business.
Finding the church can be a bit confusing because it was also previously known as Santa Maria Nova.
If you are walking from the Colosseo metro stop towards the Colosseum, the ramp will be on your right. At the top is a gate that may or may not be open. (This is still Rome, after all).
Even if you can’t bring your car for a blessing, you can still visit Santa Francesca Romana herself. Her skeleton is in the crypt of the church.
And I can offer a small blessing to you- the users of cabs: here is how much your taxi from the airport to Rome should cost.
May your rides be argument-free.
Santa Francesa Romana
Piazza di Santa Francesca Romana, 4
Next to the Roman Forum
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