Landmarks of Rome Religious Sites Basilica di San Clemente
| Basilica di San Clemente |
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It is a three - layer complex of buildings on the site. First was built 3rd century Mithraic Temple, next to it was built 4th century church. On the foundations of the 4th century Christian church was built the current one. This ancient church was transformed many times over the centuries. It was a private home that was the site of clandestine Christian worship in the I century, a grand public basilica in the VI century, reflecting the growth ofthe emerging Catholic Church's. The house was first owned by Roman consul and martyr Titus Flavius Clemens. He was one of the first among the Roman senatorial class to convert to Christianity. His house was used as a secret gathering place for fellow Christians. After Christianity became the state religion of Rome in 390, the small church was expanded, acquiring the adjoining insula and other nearby buildings. The new temple was dedicated to Clement I. In the II century, members of a Mithraic cult built a temple dedicated to Mithras. Mithras was a sun god of Persian origin whose cult was for men only.The temple was used for initiation rituals, until about the III century. The largest collection of Early Medieval wall paintings, except those in Santa Maria Antiqua, are found in the lower basilica of San Clemente. Today, Basilica of Saint Clement is one of the most richly decorated churches in Rome. The last major event that took place in the lower basilica was the election in 1099 of Cardinal Rainerius of St Clemente as Pope Paschal II.
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The Basilica of Saint Clement (Basilica di San Clemente) in Rome, Italy is a 12th century Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to Pope Clement I. Login
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