BASILICA DI SAN CLEMENTE

San Clemente is one of the most representative monuments of the early Christian and medieval period in Rome. The whole is complex, with three levels, which give an idea of the rise in ground level over the course of history.

The lower level is that of a residence dating from the Republican era, where a temple of Mithra was installed in the 3rd century, later replaced by a Christian cult, probably underground. On this basis, a basilica dedicated to Pope Clement (88-97 AD), the fourth successor of Saint Peter, was built in the 4th century. Destroyed like all the surrounding area by Robert Guiscard's Normans in 1084, it was rebuilt in the 12th century, the ruins providing its foundations. Masolino Da Panicale, in the 15th century, added a fresco decoration to the chapel of Sainte-Catherine. In the 18th century, Carlo Fontana brought a rather unfortunate setting to it, but from which one can easily escape, so many of the wonders of previous centuries are impressive. As in most basilicas, the entrance was made through a remaining atrium, which was no longer used. The upper church is a basilica with three naves, separated by ancient columns. It has preserved all the classical elements of the ancient basilicas: the schola cantorum, the presbyterium behind the triumphal arch and the apse with the episcopal seat.

The paving and decoration of marble furniture is the work of the Cosmats. But the mosaics of the triumphal arch and apse dominate the whole scene. They are from the 12th century. Those of the triumphal arch remain quite classically Byzantine, those of the apse, on the other hand, have something of the freedom of Roman mosaics in the vegetation and fauna. The paschal lamb is surrounded by twelve lambs representing the twelve apostles; you will notice, on both sides, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, the Old and the New Testament.

Chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Before leaving the upper church, visit the chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. His frescoes are the work of Masolino Da Panicale, Masaccio's master and companion. They date back to 1429. The lower church, which was only discovered around 1860, was a little larger than the current basilica. Important remains of frescoes from the Carolingian period are well preserved. In the central nave, the Wedding of Cana and a Crucifixion. In the one on the right, a Madonna. In what was once the narthex, the Miracle of Saint Clement and the Legend of Saint Alexis are more recent (12th century)