The Martyrdom of Saint Rufina and Secunda

Piazza di Santa Rufina was built to memorialize Saints Rufina and her sister Secunda. Rufina and Secunda were the daughters of the Roman Senator Asterius. Their fiancées, Armentarius and Verinus, were also Christians. But under the persecution of Emperor Valerian, the fiancées renounced their Christianity to avoid imprisonment.

Rufina and Secunda broke off their engagements and took vows of chastity, dedicating their lives to Christ. They were captured and imprisoned after fleeing Rome to Eturia. During their imprisonment the guards tourtured them, demanding them to reject Christ.

When Rufina and Secunda once again refused their demands, the guards tied rocks around the women’s necks and threw them in the Tiber River. An angel appeared and saved the women from drowning. The guards were shocked and confused at how the women were still alive. They were beheaded in 257 AD and buried on the Via Aurelia.

The saints are meant to inspire young women to remain devout in the face of adversity.

The Church of Sante Rufina

The Church of Sante Rufina was built in the 12th century in honor of their martrydom.

The church is now home to the headquarters of the Suore di Caritá dell'Immocolata Concezione di Ivrea (the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception of Ivrea). The bell tower can still be seen from the street, but the church is not accessible to the public without an appointment.

The feast of Saints Rufina and Secunda is celebrated on the 10th of July!

There are no listed visiting hours for this location.