The San Clemente project: a rare gem
Fr. Paul Murray, renowned Dominican friar and poet, shares his poetic perspective on the Basilica of San Clemente, describing it as a "rare gem" of history and spirituality. In this heartfelt reflection, he reveals the unique beauty and profound significance of this ancient treasure. Discover the deep connection between art, faith, and the timeless legacy of San Clemente.
The Basilica of Saint Clement (Italian: Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano) is a Latin Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Pope Clement I located in Rome, Italy. Archaeologically speaking, the structure is a three-tiered complex of buildings: (1) the present basilica built just before the year 1100 during the height of the Middle Ages; (2) beneath the present basilica is a 4th-century basilica that had been converted out of the home of a Roman nobleman, part of which had in the 1st century briefly served as an early church, and the basement of which had in the 2nd century briefly served as a mithraeum; (3) the home of the Roman nobleman had been built on the foundations of republican era villa and warehouse that had been destroyed in the Great Fire of AD 64.
San Clemente, Rome - Wikipedia