santo stefano
The Basilica of Santo Stefano, a remarkable ensemble of religious structures in Bologna, Italy, stands as a testament to the city's rich historical and spiritual heritage. Known locally as Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) and Santa Gerusalemme (Holy Jerusalem), it is revered for its architectural complexity and the sacred atmosphere that pervades its grounds. The basilica's origins are steeped in legend, with Saint Petronius, the city's bishop in the 5th century, credited with constructing it over a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, intending to evoke the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.