Julian emperor and Sirmione

Did you know that there is a milestone in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore dedicated to the emperor Julian?

THURSDAY 13RD APRIL 2021 This article is older than 1 year

History plays a joke.

Julian was Roman emperor from 361 to 363 AD.  His rejection of Christianity, the state’s religion at the time and his promotion of Hellenism in its place caused him to be remembered as “Julian the Apostate” by the Christian Church.
His attempt failed, and he was fatally wounded by a spear while valorously fighting against the Persians.

Visitors to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Sirmione will find that the last column of the portico – on the left – is actually a milestone dedicated to the emperor Julian.

An ironic fate:  the emperor, who wanted Christianity to disappear, is now supporting a church.