Wooden beams supporting the terracotta tile roof of the Church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami (St Joseph the Carpenter) in Rome gave away on Thursday. No one was hurt.
Ariel video footage posted online by Italy's national fire corps appeared to show that more than half the building's covering had caved in.
Rilievi con il #drone #vigilidelfuoco dopo il crollo di ieri del tetto della chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Falegnami a #Roma pic.twitter.com/GA6MbvnlB4
— Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) August 31, 2018
The place of worship had been closed to visitors at the time of the incident. The 16th century landmark is usually only open to the public for weddings.
It has constructed above the ancient Mamertine prison, where it is believed St Peter was held before his death - as well as St Paul.
One falling beam crashed through the floor of the church and penetrated a chapel below but it is understood the remains of the jail - located beneath the chapel - were not affected.
As a precaution, sniffer dogs were brought in by firefighters to ensure no one was buried in the rubble.
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