San Girolamo degli Illirici, Rome

Once past Cavour Bridge, the church of San Girolamo degli Illirici stands at the crossroads of Via di Ripetta and Via Tomacelli. It was founded by a community of refugees that came to Rome from Croatia from as long ago as the 15th Century, following the domination of Kosovo by the Turks in 1387. The community built the church and dedicated it to their national saint, St Jerome. It was built during the pontificate of Sixtus IV, rebuilt by Sixtus V and also restored by Pius IX. It still belongs to the nation of Croatia. The late Renaissance façade has a large portal and a wide window; inside the decorations include niches, pilasters, a large typanum and a small but very elegant bell tower.

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