San Gregorio Magno al Celio Religious Site

San Gregorio Magno al Celio is a basilica and monastic complex on the Caelian Hill in Rome, traditionally founded by Pope Gregory I in the late 6th century. The site combines early medieval origins with significant Baroque-era rebuilding and monastic additions.

The church and adjoining monastery include a cloister, monastic quarters, and chapels whose decoration dates largely to the post-medieval period. The complex has been an active monastic house for many centuries and retains features from multiple construction phases.

Established by Gregory I on his family property, the site developed as an important monastic centre in Rome and underwent refurbishment and artistic enrichment in the 16th and 17th centuries. The exterior and interior seen today reflect this long history of use and renovation.

The complex occupies a raised position on the Caelian Hill, a short walk southeast of the Colosseum and within Rome’s central historic district.

• Historic foundation: Founded on the site associated with Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, the complex includes monastic buildings and later Baroque reconstructions that are visible today.

What to See#

• Basilica: The basilica itself, with a nave and chapels that reflect later Baroque and post-medieval decoration alongside earlier structural elements.
• Monastery and cloister: An attached monastery with cloister and monastic buildings founded at the site of Pope Gregory I’s house, forming part of the larger religious complex on the Caelian Hill.

On Rome’s Caelian Hill - walkable from the Colosseum and central historic sites; local buses serve the area.

• The church can be visited alongside other Celian Hill sites - allow time to walk the neighbourhood's alleys and gardens.
• Check for any restoration work that might limit access to some chapels or artworks.