The Basilica of St. Stephen, called the Seven Churches, stands in the homonymous square and is composed precisely of seven churches that over time have been united. Visiting it is certainly interesting from many points of view, but almost no one knows that this place linked to Christianity actually has a pagan past.
In fact, it rises on a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, who was particularly worshipped by the Bolognese since the 2nd century B.C., the period of reference for the tombstone found right under the Basilica and bearing the inscription: Dominae Isidi Victrici.
A cult that was celebrated in particular on the 12th of August, with the lighting of lamps in honour of the goddess linked to fertility and the victory of life over death.
