The foundation of the church of St. Stephen, Stephen, now deconsecrated, according to tradition was founded by Pope Simplicius (468-483) but the earliest record of its existence is in the biography of Pope Leo III (795-816).
Renovated between the 11th and 12th centuries, the building, preceded by an atrium with two columns, still retains its architecture.
The brick façade is divided horizontally into two parts: in the upper one there are three segmental arches.
Very nice travertine toothing of the upper crowning.
The original truss roof was lost during the bombing of the last war; a civilian dwelling occupied the floor above the crowning.
The church consists of a nave with a single semicircular apse.
A secondary opening marked by a large arch was located on the left wall.
In the 14th century, a chapel (Chapel of St. Stephen) was inserted on the right side (Chapel of St. Stephen) frescoed with overlapping panels, depicting scenes from the life of the saint and New Testament themes: this is one of the most interesting examples of 14th-century painting in Tivoli.
On the right side rises the bell tower, featuring a mullioned window on a pillar on the second floor and a triple lancet window on the second.
Inside the nave of the church, on the left wall, traces of the early 12th-century decoration are preserved: a theory of horsemen – with finely harnessed horses and figured shields – can be distinguished, although much ruined, to be interpreted perhaps as crusaders entering the church to receive a blessing before departure.
The chapel of St. Stephen, formerly the sacristy, depicts seven episodes from the Saint’s life; also a Nativity, Crucifixion and Dormitio Virginis.
The frescoes were created by various authors, traceable to the 14th-century Roman school, with obvious Giottesque influences.
In the 17th century the church was entrusted to the Comaschi Fathers who abandoned it, so it lost its parish title.
It was later used as a theater, then as a barn and art workshop.
It is currently a venue for concerts and cultural events.
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