San Callisto


San Callisto is a Roman Catholic titular church in Rome, Italy, built over the site of Saint Pope Callistus I and the location of his martyrdom. The original building dates form the time of Pope Gregory III who ordered the building of a church on the site. The church has been rebuilt twice since, first in the twelfth century and again the current church in 1610. In 1458 Pope Callixtus III granted it a titular church as a seat for Cardinals.
Established in 1517, the Titulus San Calixti is currently held by Willem Jacobus Cardinal Eijk.

Architecture

The seventeenth century facade carried the coat of arms of Pope Paul V. The church has a single aisle with a chapel either side. The chapel on the right are two angels sculptured by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The chapel on the left contains the pit where Pope Callistus I, later venerated as a saint, was martyred. The main altar has the fresco Glory of St. Callisto done by Antonio Achilli.

List of Cardinal Priests