Description:
From the Colosseum, head up Via San Giovanni in Laterano to this basilica. It isn't just another Roman church -- far from it. In this church-upon-a-church, centuries of history peel away. In the 4th century A.D., a church was built over a secular house from the 1st century, beside which stood a pagan temple dedicated to Mithras (god of the sun). Down in the eerie grottoes, you'll discover well-preserved frescoes from the 9th to the 11th centuries. The Normans destroyed the lower church, and a new one was built in the 12th century. Its chief attraction is the bronze-orange mosaic (from that period) adorning the apse, as well as a chapel honoring St. Catherine of Alexandria with frescoes by Masolino.
- © Frommer's 2012
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Awards:
Frommer's
- Recommended 2009
- Recommended 2010
- Details
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Contact:
- tel: 06-7740021
Address:
- Via Labicana 95
- Via San Giovanni in Laterano at Piazza San Clemente
- Rome
Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9am-noon and 3-6:30pm; Sun 10am-noon and 3-6:30pm
Strenuousness:
- No Sweat
- User Rating
