About The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Italian: Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù a Castro Pretorio or Sacro Cuore di Gesù al Castro Pretorio) In Rome, Italy:
This minor Basilica and parish church is closely associated with St. John Bosco (Don Bosco) and the Salesians of Don Bosco (Society of St. Francis de Sales). The Salesian Congregation’s central headquarters is adjacent to it, and it serves as an important Salesian site in Rome.
Pope Pius IX originally planned a church dedicated to St. Joseph (whom he had declared Patron of the Universal Church) and laid the first stone in 1870 on land he had acquired. In 1871 the dedication was changed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Construction stalled due to funding issues and political changes after Rome’s annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.
Pope Leo XIII entrusted the project to Don Bosco, who raised funds through appeals and travels (including to France and Spain) despite declining health. Architect Francesco Vespignani (Architect of the Sacred Palaces) designed it in a Neo-Renaissance/Renaissance Revival style. The church was consecrated on May 14,1887; Don Bosco attended and celebrated Mass there two days later.
Elevated to minor basilica by Pope Benedict XV on February 11, 1921 (apostolic letter Pia societas), it was established as a cardinal title (deaconry, later adjusted) by Pope Paul VI on February 5, 1965.
Neo-Renaissance façade with travertine and brick, balanced proportions.The incomplete bell tower received its prominent gilded bronze/copper statue of the Sacred Heart (Christ the Redeemer/blessing figure, designed by Enrico Cananeo, about 6.5 m tall) in 1931, donated by Salesian past pupils from Argentina. Due to the site’s elevation, the tower and statue reaches roughly 21 feet (62.5 meters) and is sometimes noted as exceeding the height of St. Peter’s Basilica from certain perspectives.
The Basilica has three naves divided by granite columns, with transept and dome. The interior features paintings and frescoes (including works by Virginio Monti on the dome depicting the triumph of the Sacred Heart, prophets, apostles, and mercy scenes), stained glass, a large organ (expanded over time), and side chapels/altars (including one to Mary Help of Christians).
The complex also includes rooms associated with Don Bosco’s stays (1881–1884) and a small museum area.
It remains an active parish serving the local community and many travelers near Termini, offering Masses, confession, and Salesian youth/migrant outreach.
Traveling to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù) in Rome, Italy:
The Basilica is located in Rome’s Castro Pretorio district, on Via Marsala 42, directly across from Roma Termini railway station. Easily reached by Metro (Lines A/B/B1 at Termini) or numerous buses.
Address: Via Marsala 42, 00185 Roma, Italy.
Phone: +39 06 445 3257. Official website: basilicadelsacrocuore.it.
Note: Rome has other churches dedicated to aspects of the Sacred Heart, including the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Christ the King (Sacro Cuore di Cristo Re, Viale Mazzini area, modern design by Marcello Piacentini) and the Basilica of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Sacro Cuore Immacolato di Maria, Piazza Euclide). The Castro Pretorio one described on this page is the primary “Basilica of the Sacred Heart” linked to Don Bosco and nearest Termini.
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