San Clemente, on Via San Giovanni in Laterano, is both religious and historical. It looks like a small church from the street. The church's structure as well as the majority of the interior was built in 1908 (except for the choir enclosure from the 6th ce
ntury). A 4th century church lies below this structure and underneath this are ancient buildings from the 2nd century, now completely underground. It feels as if you are stepping down through time as you descent to the dimly lit ancient stone buildings from the much more ornate church above. In comparison to the ancient rooms and temples, the 12th century church seems almost modern. It is amazing that this same site was used and built over for ten centuries, and that the current structure has stood for another nine.
ntury). A 4th century church lies below this structure and underneath this are ancient buildings from the 2nd century, now completely underground. It feels as if you are stepping down through time as you descent to the dimly lit ancient stone buildings from the much more ornate church above. In comparison to the ancient rooms and temples, the 12th century church seems almost modern. It is amazing that this same site was used and built over for ten centuries, and that the current structure has stood for another nine.
2 comments:
San Clemente is one of my favorite churches in Rome--thanks for the nice description of your visit. If you have a chance, check the longer description in the Blue Guide (there's a copy in the Sede library). The British mystery writer Ngaio Marsh used the church as a setting in her book, "When in Rome" (1971). The book is still in print, and is a light and interesting fictional account of tourism in Rome.
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