line perspective, Basilica Hierusalem (c. late 326)
CHURCH OF S. CROCE IN GERUSALEMME, erected by S. Helena. The interior has three aisles divided by pilasters, and with eight columns of Egyptian granite. The high altar is adorned by four columns of breccia-corallina, which support the canopy. Under the altar is an ancient urn, which contains the bodies of the holy martyrs Anastasio and Cesario. The frescos of the vault of the tribune are by Pinturicchio. The sunterranean chapel of S. Helena is decorated with paintings by Pomarancio, and with mosaics by. B. Peruzzi. Ladies are not allowed to enter this chapel, except on the saint's day. The church was erected in THE SESSORIUM PALACE, which was built by Varius, father of Elagabalus. This was afterwards turned into the Palace of Helena, near which were her baths, remains of which exist in the adjoining vineyards; also of the reservoir; which remains are called by some the TEMPLE OF VENUS AND CUPID, from a statute found there. A Venus with Cupid at her feet, supposed to be the likeness of Salustia Barbia Orbiana, the wife of Alexander Severus, from an inscription on the pedestal saying that it was dedicated to Venus by one Salustia.
In the "Excerpta Valesiana de Odac" (lxix) it is mentioned as "the palace called Sessorium." In the buildings at the back of the church remains of a large palace can be traced. It is said by tradition that it took its name from a basilica which stood here where the cases of the slaves were tried. Another is, that here was the Praetorium or headquarters of the Praetorian perfect of the city. "It is said that Maximin, the perfect, had a small cord always suspended from a remote window of the Praetorium, the end of which had a loop which was easily drawn tight, by means of which he received secret information." (Marcellinus, xxviii, 7). The ruin to the left of the church has all the appearance of a basilica.
S. Russell Forbes, Rambles in Rome: An Archaeological and Historical Guide to the Museums, Galleries, Villas, Churches, and Antiquities of Rome and the Campagna (London: Thomas Nelson and Sons, 1882), p. 221.
| |
|
