San Clemente papa, Catholic church near Colosseum, Rome, Italy.
San Clemente papa is a church in Rome built with three distinct layers stacked on top of each other. The current structure from the 12th century sits above an earlier church, which was built on ancient Roman foundations.
The current building was constructed between 1099 and 1120, built directly above a damaged church from an earlier time. This layer-by-layer building shows how Rome repeatedly rebuilt its sacred spaces over the centuries.
The frescoes and mosaics throughout the church show religious themes and reveal how medieval artists worked. They help us understand what mattered to people living in Rome during that era.
The church is located about 300 meters from the Colosseum and sits between two hills, making it easy to reach. To explore the lower levels, plan for a guided visit since these underground areas require accompaniment.
In the deepest layers lies a 1st-century Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, showing how an older pagan site was gradually covered by Christian construction. This archaeological discovery reveals the religious transition that took place in Rome over centuries.
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