The Basilica of Saints Silvester and Martin in the Monti district, was founded in the fourth century by Pope Sylvester I on Via di Monte Oppio, on land previously owned by a priest called Equitius, hence the name TITULUS EQUITII.
Originally an oratory had been erected on the site dedicated to all the martyrs, but at the time of its rebuilding in the late 5th century, Pope Symmachus wanted the new basilica to be dedicated to St. Martin of Tours and Pope Sylvester I.
Pope Sergius II decided to undertake a renovation project to build the present church, which contains a crypt housing the relics of martyrs from the Catacombs of Priscilla. The adjoining monastery founded by Leo IV, was initially entrusted to the Benedictines, then to the secular clergy, and finally, in 1299 to the Carmelite Order, to whose care the basilica complex is still entrusted.
