Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls is one of the "Seven Churches" of Rome (ancient pilgrimage), located at the beginning of the suburban stretch of the Via Tiburtina. The Basilica was built in the fourth century by Emperor Constantine near the tomb of the martyr Lawrence, along with a small oratory. The Church was extended westwards, tearing down the old apse, with the old Basilica which became the chancel floor of the new. The new Basilica was decorated with frescoes illustrating the life of St. Lawrence and St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, both buried under the main altar. The Church underwent transformations in the Baroque period, but the additions were eliminated with restoration by architect Virginio Vespignani, between 1855 and 1864. The facade, in brick with three windows, was rebuilt after the bombings in 1943: the original was entirely covered with mosaics, went for the most part lost. It precedes the facade a porch dating from the thirteenth century, supported by six columns with Ionic Medieval capitals, under which are kept sarcophagi. Frescoes on the walls, representing stories and miracles of the two Saints. On the left wall it is placed the monument to Alcide De Gasperi by Giacomo Manzù. The main entrance is flanked by two marble statues depicting lions, from Medieval times. The interior has three naves, composed by the overlap of the two Churches: that Honorius (XIII century) preserves, in the right aisle, the remains of Medieval frescoes. From the St. tarcisio's Chapel, one reaches the Cloister of the late twelfth century, and the Saint Lawrence's Catacomb. The Pelagian (sixth century), in a raised position, is accessible by two staircases: the aisles of the presbytery are topped with a gallery in ten columns, with Corinthian capitals.
