Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The church, one of Rome's oldest, dates to the late 5th century, although it was subse-
quently altered in the 12th and 15th centuries.
SUBTERRANEAN CULT
The cult of Mithraism was hugely popular with the ancient Roman military. According to its mythology, Mithras,
a young, handsome god, was ordered to slay a wild bull by the Sun. As the bull died, it gave life, its blood caus-
ing wheat and other plants to grow. In Mithraic iconography, a serpent and dog are usually shown attacking the
bull to try to prevent this, while a scorpion attacks its testicles. Mithraic temples, known as Mithraeums, were al-
most always in underground locations or caves, reflecting their belief that caverns represented the cosmos. In the
Mithraeums, devotees underwent complex processes of initiation, and ate bread and water as a representation of
the body and the blood of the bull. Sound familiar? The early Christians thought so too, and were fervently
against the cult, feeling its practices were too close to their own.
Aventino & Around
PARCO SAVELLO
PARK
(Via di Santa Sabina; 7am-6pm Oct-Feb, to 8pm Mar & Sep, to 9pm Apr-Aug; Lungotevere Aventino)
Known to Romans as the
Giardino degli Aranci
(Orange Garden), this pocket-sized park
is a romantic haven. Grab a perch at the small panoramic terrace and watch the sun set
over the Tiber and St Peter's dome. In summer, theatre performances are sometimes
staged among the perfumed orange trees.
PIAZZA DEI CAVALIERI DI MALTA
(Via di Santa Sabina; Lungotevere Aventino)
Named after the
Cavalieri di Malta
(Knights of
Malta), who have their Roman headquarters here, in the
Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, this ornate cypress-shaded square is famous for its secret view. Look
through the keyhole in the Priorato's main door and you'll see the dome of St Peter's Ba-
silica perfectly aligned at the end of a hedge-lined avenue.
PIAZZA
TOP SIGHT
BASILICA DI SANTA SABINA
This magnificent, solemn basilica was founded by Peter of Illyria in around AD 422. It was enlarged in the 9th
century and again in 1216, just before it was given to the newly founded Dominican order - look out for the mo-
