Basilica San Marco, Rome
Basilica San Marco in Rome (Basilica di San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio) is a small ancient church. In comparison with the one that carries the same name in Venice, we may state that everything is more than modest, especially in appearance. Inside, the visitor is presented with beautiful interior and ancient frescoes. Since its creation, it has been the main parish of the Venetians living in Rome.
History of the basilica
- The church is one of the oldest in Rome. A small oratorio was built here in the 1st century.
- In 336, Pope Mark built a small basilica in its place.
- At the end of the 5th century, it survived a fire, and in the 6–7th centuries – numerous looting. After being flooded by the waters of the Tiber River (in 791) it was restored by Pope Adrian I in 792.
- In 833, the apse and the triumphal arch were restored by order of Pope Gregory IV.
- In 1154, a Romanesque bell tower and a beautiful façade loggia were added to the church.
- In 1465-1470, Pope Paul II started a new reconstruction.
- The church owes its modern appearance to the restorations of 1651–1661 and 1735–1750. After them, it acquired the Baroque style characteristic of that time.
- In the 19th century, work was carried out to restore the interior and valuable frescoes.
Architecture and interior
The façade of the church is a beautiful two-level loggia. Both of its floors are the covered galleries with arches and columns. They are made of stone and white marble. The bell tower rises behind it. Tombstones and other artifacts of the early Christian period are located under the arches of the first floor gallery. The interior of the basilica retains traces of styles from different eras. Inside the plan of the church is typical for the period of its construction: one nave, separated from the side aisles by 12 columns on each side.
The ceiling is wooden, cassette, and with the coat of arms of Pope Paul II on it. The apse is decorated with a 9th century mosaic. It depicts Christ, Pope Mark and Gregory IV, as well as the apostles and saints.
The temple also preserved 15th century frescoes by Melozzo da Forli, which feature the evangelist Mark and Pope Mark. In the 17th century, famous painter Pier Francesco Mola took part in the restoration of the church. He left his creations, paintings and frescoes here. Paintings by Carlo Maratta, a memorial monument by Antonio Canova, and many stucco reliefs depicting saints and prophets are also in the basilica.
How to get there
The Basilica San Marco in Rome is located in the historic center, near the famous Piazza di S. Marco, 47. Venezia Palace is located on the back of the temple, and the Central Museum of Risorgimento is not far away. Near the Basilica there is also a bus stop P.za Venezia (routes 51, 60, 63, 80, 83, 85, 118, 160, 170, H, N4, N8, N9, N12, N18).
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00. On Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. Phone number for information (+39) 06 6795205.
Free admission.
