After becoming a convert to Christianity with his wife Natalia (Ναταλία), Adrian was martyred at Nicomedia in Asia-Minor (Turkey).

Adrian and Natalia lived in Nicomedia during the time of Emperor Maximian in the early fourth century.

He was forbidden visitors, but accounts state that his wife Natalia came to visit him, dressed as a boy, to ask for his prayers when he entered Heaven.

[citation needed] Sant'Adriano al Foro, a church in the Roman Forum (founded AD 630), was named in his honour.

The name was later transferred to Santa Maria della Mercede e Sant'Adriano a Villa Albani (1958) when the old church was demolished.