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SIGHTS
San Giovanni
BASILICA DI SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO
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BASILICA
TOP SIGHT
BASILICA DI SAN CLEMENTE
This fascinating basilica provides a vivid glimpse into Rome's multilayered past: a 12th-century basilica built atop
a 4th-century church, which, in turn, stands over a 2nd-century pagan temple and 1st-century Roman house.
Beneath everything are foundations dating to the Roman Republic.
The medieval church features a marvellous 12th-century apse mosaic depicting the Trionfo della Croce (Tri-
umph of the Cross), with 12 doves symbolising the apostles, and the Madonna and St John the Baptist standing on
either side of the cross. Also impressive are Masolino's 15th-century Renaissance frescoes in the Chapel of St
Catherine, which depict a crucifixion scene and episodes from the life of St Catherine.
Steps lead down to the 4th-century basilica inferiore, mostly destroyed by Norman invaders in 1084, but with
some faded 11th-century frescoes illustrating the life of San Clemente. Follow down another level and you'll find
yourself walking an ancient lane leading to the Roman house and a dark temple of Mithras, which contains an altar
depicting the god slaying a bull. Beneath it all, you can hear the eerie sound of a subterranean river, running
through a Roman Republic-era drain.
DON'T MISS…
» Trionfo della Croce
» Chapel of St Catherine
» Basilica Inferiore
» Temple of Mithras
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