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Beautiful interior of St Joachim church essevu - Shutterstock

Church of St Joachim in Prati

The Church of San Gioacchino in Prati, located near Piazza dei Quiriti in Rome, played a heroic role during World War II by sheltering 35 individuals, including Jews and political dissidents, during the Nazi occupation. Under the leadership of the Redemptorist Fathers, along with lay collaborators like Pietro Lestini, and Sister Margherita Bernes of the Daughters of Charity, the church became a sanctuary for persecuted individuals. Ingeniously, Lestini constructed a hidden refuge within the church’s attic, accessed only through a pulley system. This space, sealed off from outside access, provided safety and survival for those in hiding until the liberation of Rome in June 1944.

Built between 1881 and 1898 under the commission of Pope Leo XIII to commemorate his priestly jubilee, the church is dedicated to Saint Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary. Architecturally, it is a striking example of late 19th-century design with its pink granite columns, bronze capitals, and colorful marble interior. Its dome, adorned with crystal stars, adds a luminous touch to its grandeur. The church also features 14 national chapels, each sponsored by a Catholic nation and reflecting unique artistic styles, such as those of Brazil, France, and Poland.

The church remains a symbol of moral resistance and solidarity, highlighting the courage and ingenuity of its community during one of history’s darkest periods. Recognized as a place of profound historical and cultural significance, it continues to serve as a beacon of faith and memory.

  • Address
    Via Pompeo Magno 25, Rome, Italy
  • Web
    None
  • Visiting Hours
    Monday to Saturday from 7:00 to 12:30 and from 16:30 to 19:30. Sunday from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00
  • What to see
    Chapels, church’s attic, dome

This post is also available in: Español Italiano

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