Basilica dei SS. Nereo e Achilleo
The Basilica of Saints Nereus and Achilleus was built in IV century, in the Celio distrect, a short distance from the Baths of Caracalla. In 814 Pope Leo III rebuilt the Church near the old titulus to house the relics of the two martyrs transferred from the Catacombs of Domitilla. Over the centuries, the Church underwent a long period of decline, until 1475, when Pope Sixtus IV began its first restoration, then concluded in 1600, when they were made the vessels of the sanctuary and the frescoes that decorate the interior. In the nineteenth century it was restored the ancient mosaic of the apse, dating from the ninth century. The "salient" facade, is decorated with geometric frescoes by Girolamo Massei. Coeval to the frescoes is the marble porch, supported by two Corinthian columns and consists of a triangular pediment. On either side of the apse it can recognize the ancient towers (795-816), later transformed into the rectory and sacristy. The interior, richly frescoed with cycles of lives of the saints, has the typical basilica plan: central nave and two aisles, divided by octagonal pillars. The high altar, built with three panels, contains the relics of Saints Nereus, Achilleus and Domitilla. Behind the altar there is the episcopal throne in Cosmatesco style (by Vassalletto); the arch of the apse is decorated with mosaics of the ninth century.
