To discover this extraordinary site along with nearby attractions like the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, and the Capitoline Hill, consider booking one of the Golf Cart Tours in Rome by Kirba Tours. With expert local guides and eco-friendly vehicles, you can explore the Eternal City comfortably and uncover hidden gems like Santo Stefano del Cacco, without the crowds or long walks.
The Origins of the Name
The church’s curious name has intrigued visitors for centuries. In ancient times, it was known as Santo Stefano de Pinea, referring to a large Roman pine cone found nearby. That same pine cone later gave its name to the surrounding district, and today a similar artifact can be admired in Vatican City’s Cortile della Pigna.
Over the centuries, however, locals began calling it “del Cacco,” a name that originated from a misunderstanding. The term is a distortion of the word “macaco,” meaning monkey, inspired by an ancient Egyptian statue of a cynocephalus (a baboon-headed figure representing the god Thoth or Anubis) that once stood in front of the church. Mistaken by Romans for a monkey-headed deity, this statue gave rise to the church’s popular nickname.
Ancient Foundations and Early History
The Church of Santo Stefano del Cacco has roots stretching back to the 9th century, during the papacy of Pope Paschal I. It was built on the site of the Iseum Campense, a temple dedicated to the Egyptian gods Isis and Serapis. Many of the temple’s decorative elements were reused in the church’s construction, such as the basalt lions now seen at the base of the Capitoline Hill’s stairway and the pine cone that inspired its ancient name.
The earliest structure was a minor basilica with three naves. Its mosaic apse, which once depicted Pope Paschal I alongside Saint Stephen, was sadly destroyed during 17th-century renovations. The bell tower — a charming Romanesque feature still visible today, dates back to the 12th century and is now incorporated into the adjacent monastery.
From the Middle Ages to the Baroque Period
In 1563, Pope Pius IV granted the church to the Silvestrine Fathers, a monastic order tasked with the pastoral care of the surrounding community. Under their direction, Santo Stefano del Cacco underwent major restorations and expansions, particularly in the early 1600s and later during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Silvestrines rebuilt the church’s interior in a more classical style, while preserving its basilican layout. Baroque artists contributed to the decoration, enriching the sacred space with new altarpieces, frescoes, and sculptures that blended Roman devotion with artistic innovation.
Art and Architecture
Today, visitors to Santo Stefano del Cacco can admire a harmonious combination of medieval and baroque elements. The interior features three naves divided by Ionic columns and illuminated by soft natural light. The high altar, restored in 1750, is dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr and houses remarkable works of art.
Among the most notable pieces is a moving fresco of Christ in Pietà by Perin del Vaga, a student of Raphael, which captures the emotional depth of the Renaissance. The apse, meanwhile, displays The Martyrdom of Saint Stephen, painted by Cristoforo Casolani, which illustrates the saint’s faith and courage amid persecution.
Architectural remnants from the ancient Iseum are still visible in and around the church. These include fragments of marble, decorative reliefs, and the base of what might have been one of the Egyptian god statues. Such details remind visitors of the site’s deep connection to Rome’s layered religious history — from paganism to Christianity.
Connection with the Iseum Campense
The Iseum Campense was one of ancient Rome’s most important sanctuaries devoted to Egyptian deities. Located between today’s Via del Gesù and Piazza della Minerva, it was a center of Eastern cult worship during the Roman Empire. When Christianity later became dominant, many of its materials and sculptures were repurposed in nearby churches, including Santo Stefano del Cacco.
Flaminio Vacca, a 16th-century Roman antiquarian, noted in his Memorie di varie antichità trovate in diversi luoghi della città di Roma that several artifacts from the Iseum were integrated into Christian monuments. This fusion of ancient and sacred elements gives Santo Stefano del Cacco a unique place in Rome’s architectural evolution.
The Church Through the Centuries
By the 17th century, the church had become a critical Silvestrine center for worship and community service. Extensive renovations during this time reshaped the façade and interior, aligning it with the stylistic trends of Baroque Rome. The bell tower and the adjoining monastery, which once hosted the order’s library and archives, remain critical historical structures.
Later restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries preserved much of the church’s artistic heritage. Its serene atmosphere, elegant proportions, and blend of historical eras make it one of Rome’s hidden treasures; a sanctuary of quiet beauty amid the bustling city center.
Visiting Santo Stefano del Cacco Today
The church is located in the Pigna district, near Piazza della Minerva and the Pantheon, easily reachable on foot or via golf cart tours. Despite its central location, it often escapes the attention of large tourist crowds, making it an ideal stop for those who love history, architecture, and spirituality.
Visitors are greeted by a simple but elegant façade and a peaceful interior filled with centuries of devotion. The blend of Roman, Egyptian, and Christian influences makes every visit to Santo Stefano del Cacco a journey through time — from the empire’s ancient gods to the saints of the Catholic tradition.
Curiosities and Symbolism
- Anubis and the Monkey: The “Cacco” nickname stems from a Roman misunderstanding of an Egyptian statue — mistaking the god Anubis for a monkey-headed figure.
- Egyptian Heritage: Many decorative elements, including basalt lions and marble details, originated from the nearby Iseum Campense.
- Artistic Legacy: The church preserves works by Perin del Vaga and Cristoforo Casolani, both renowned painters of their time.
- Silvestrine Monks: The monastic order still maintains a presence in the adjoining building, preserving the church’s traditions.
Experience the Real Rome
Visiting Santo Stefano del Cacco offers a glimpse into the layered soul of Rome, a city where every corner reveals stories of transformation and faith. To make the most of your time, explore this area as part of a Golf Cart Tour of Rome by Kirba Tours. Glide effortlessly through history, admire the city’s secret churches, and uncover the fascinating connection between ancient temples and Christian devotion.
In a city filled with iconic landmarks, Santo Stefano del Cacco remains a quiet reminder that Rome’s beauty lies not only in its grand monuments, but also in its hidden sanctuaries — where time, art, and faith converge in eternal harmony.
