When was this church founded?
KWAN-doh eh STA-tah fon-DA-tah KWES-tah KYE-zah.
When you want to understand the history of a church. Ask a sacristan, guide, or read the information panels. Many Italian churches have history stretching back to the first centuries AD.
È stata fondata is the passive construction of fondare (to found) — was founded. Questa chiesa means this church. Many Italian churches were founded in the early Christian period (4th-6th centuries AD) on sites of even earlier pagan temples.
Su cosa è stata costruita questa chiesa?
What was this church built on?
Many Italian churches are built over Roman temples.
Quante volte è stata ricostruita?
How many times has it been rebuilt?
Fires, wars, and earthquakes have repeatedly damaged Italian churches.
Chi è il santo protettore di questa chiesa?
Who is the patron saint of this church?
Italian churches are dedicated to specific saints.
The Pantheon in Rome, now a Catholic church (Santa Maria ad Martyres), is the best-preserved Roman building because it became a church in 609 AD. Rome's Santa Maria sopra Minerva is built literally on top of (sopra) the Temple of Minerva. Layers of history define every Italian church.