Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
The phrase "in Trastevere" (beyond the Tiber) describes the neighborhood of Rome in which the Basilica of Santa Maria is located. In ancient times, the neighborhood was mainly inhabited by immigrants, sailors, fishermen, and retired soldiers. Before Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (306–337 AD) decriminalized Christian worship by issuing the Edict of Milan in 313, Christian worship took place in "tituli"--private "house churches" that were sometimes named for the priest designated by church authorities as the patron. The original house church in this site was founded in 220 by Pope Callixtus I, who died in 222; and it became known as "Titulus Callisti."
The oratory of the house church that Pope Callixtus I proposed to build at this location necessitated displacement of part of the "Taberna meritoria" (a tavern and refuge for retired soldiers). This created a dispute between Christians and tavern-keepers. The new and young Roman Emperor Alexander Severus (approximately 14 years old)--not himself a Christian--settled the dispute in favor of the Christians, reportedly declaring, "I prefer that it should belong to those who honor God, whatever be their form of worship." Implicit in the young emperor's ruling, Christian worship in the church was known about and allowed 93 years before such worship's official decriminilization in 313's Edict of Milan. This then became one of the first locations (perhaps the very first location) of imperially permitted Christian worship in Rome.
According to inscriptions in the basilica, the original structure was rebuilt and enlarged in 340, restored in the 5th and 8th centuries, then re-erected on its old foundations in 1140-1143. The remains of Pope Callixtus I are preserved under the altar.
The central nave down which this photo looks, is built on the original floor plan. It is bounded on the sides by an assortment of granite columns that were taken from various ancient Roman ruins.
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
The phrase "in Trastevere" (beyond the Tiber) describes the neighborhood of Rome in which the Basilica of Santa Maria is located. In ancient times, the neighborhood was mainly inhabited by immigrants, sailors, fishermen, and retired soldiers. Before Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (306–337 AD) decriminalized Christian worship by issuing the Edict of Milan in 313, Christian worship took place in "tituli"--private "house churches" that were sometimes named for the priest designated by church authorities as the patron. The original house church in this site was founded in 220 by Pope Callixtus I, who died in 222; and it became known as "Titulus Callisti."
The oratory of the house church that Pope Callixtus I proposed to build at this location necessitated displacement of part of the "Taberna meritoria" (a tavern and refuge for retired soldiers). This created a dispute between Christians and tavern-keepers. The new and young Roman Emperor Alexander Severus (approximately 14 years old)--not himself a Christian--settled the dispute in favor of the Christians, reportedly declaring, "I prefer that it should belong to those who honor God, whatever be their form of worship." Implicit in the young emperor's ruling, Christian worship in the church was known about and allowed 93 years before such worship's official decriminilization in 313's Edict of Milan. This then became one of the first locations (perhaps the very first location) of imperially permitted Christian worship in Rome.
According to inscriptions in the basilica, the original structure was rebuilt and enlarged in 340, restored in the 5th and 8th centuries, then re-erected on its old foundations in 1140-1143. The remains of Pope Callixtus I are preserved under the altar.
The central nave down which this photo looks, is built on the original floor plan. It is bounded on the sides by an assortment of granite columns that were taken from various ancient Roman ruins.