San Sebastiano al Palatino

The church's origins date back to the 10th century, possibly even earlier. Its original name, Santa Maria in Pallaria, suggests a connection to the Palladium, an image of Minerva said to have been brought to Rome from Troy by Aeneas. This image is believed to have been moved from the Temple of Vesta to the Temple of Elagabal in the 3rd century, which was built on a Republican-era terrace on the Clivus Palatinus. According to tradition, Saint Sebastian suffered martyrdom on the steps of Elagabal, which is why the church was built over parts of this temple. In 1118, the small church was the site of a conclave where Pope Gelasius II was elected.