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February 3, 2006

Church of San Clemente: Layers of time and art

The church of San Clemente has quite the history... three underground levels of history, to be exact. From the Metro stop "Colosseo" (line B) and walk up Via Labicana, keeping an eye out on the right for Piazza di San Clemente.

The building's history began in the late first century. Legend says that this was the house (called a domus) of a Roman nobleman, Clemmens, who was sent to exile in Russia by the Roman Emperor for converting people to Catholicism.

Rome's history is wrought with people building on top of buildings in order to save money on the foundation and raise the structure to street level. In the second century, a temple dedicated to the god Mithra was built atop the preexisting house. Animal sacrifices were made here, and the people would wash themselves with the animals' blood. Yes, they did rinse off, and there is still the nearby river to prove it.

In the fourth century, a basilica was built on top of the temple, dedicated to Saint Clement, the fourth Pope. This basilica must have lasted some centuries, as 11th century frescoes can still been seen today, depicting stories of the saint. The stone floor is also visible and in relatively good condition.

On top of 1,000 years of history, the 12th-century church stands today, displaying colorful mosaics. It also has the Chapel of Saint Catherine. These frescos by the Florentine artist Masolino are said to be the beginning of the Roman Renaissance.

All levels of the church can still be visited today. Admission to the underground excavations is 3.50 euros.

Posted by Kelsea  at 12:33 PM | Permalink

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