The Catholic Traveler

The Churches of Rome

San Giorgio in Velabro

San Giorgio in Velabro stands near the legendary site where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf, its nave built from mismatched ancient Roman columns that give the church an irregular, slightly trapezoidal plan. In 1993 a Mafia car bomb exploded beside the façade, nearly destroying the 12th-century portico; some of that damage was deliberately left unrestored as a memorial.

  • Pietro Cavallini’s fresco of Christ Flanked by Mary and Saints Peter, George and Sebastian
  • Relics of St. George
  • Ancient spolia columns repurposed from Roman temples
  • A Lenten station church and ancient diaconia

Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m.–6:15 p.m.

Sat–Sun: 7:45 a.m.–6:15 p.m.

Restoration in progress (right lateral nave/scaffolding) from late April through December 2026, per the official site; church should remain generally accessible — verify before visiting. Marriage/rectory office hours: Tue, Fri, Sat 10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. and 4:00–6:15 p.m.

Via del Velabro, 19, 00186 Roma

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi

Italy

sangiorgioinvelabro.com