San Nicola in Carcere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Nicola in Carcere |
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| Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Prison | |
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Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere
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San Nicola in Carcere.
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| 41°53′28″N 12°28′48″E / 41.89111°N 12.48000°E | |
| Location | Via del Teatro di Marcello 46, Rome |
| Country | Italy |
| Language(s) | Italian |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Tradition | Roman Rite |
| History | |
| Status | titular church, minor basilica, regional church |
| Dedication | Nicholas of Myra |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Giacomo della Porta |
| Architectural type | medieval |
| Completed | 1599 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Rome |
San Nicola in Carcere is a historic church in Rome, Italy. Its name means "Saint Nicholas in Prison" in Italian. This church is a "titular church," which means it is linked to a cardinal in the Catholic Church. It is also one of the traditional "stational churches" for Lent, where people gather for special services. You can find it near the ancient Forum Boarium in the Sant'Angelo area of Rome.
Contents
Exploring the History of San Nicola in Carcere
The first church on this site was likely built around the 6th century. We know this from an old inscription on a column near the entrance, which dates back to the 10th century. However, the first clear record of the church's dedication comes from a plaque from the year 1128.
How the Church Got Its Name
The church was built using parts of older Roman buildings. These included the Forum Holitorium, which was an ancient vegetable market, and its Roman temples. There was also a jail, or "carcer," nearby. People believed this jail was located within the temple ruins.
However, the "in Carcere" part of the church's name was changed in the 14th century. This was because people mistakenly thought it referred to the famous Mamertine Prison. The prison it was actually named after was a Byzantine-era jail.
Ancient Roman Structures Within the Church
You can still see parts of these ancient Roman buildings in the church today. For example, three columns from the Temple of Juno Sospita are built into the front of the church. These columns are part of both the 10th-century and 1599 designs.
Columns from the Temple of Janus are also part of the church's northern wall. This temple was built to celebrate a naval victory in 260 BC. On the southern wall, you can see six columns from the Temple of Spes.
Who Built and Rebuilt the Church?
The church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas by the Greek people living in the area. In the 11th century, it was known as the "church of Petrus Leonis." This refers to the Pierleoni family, a powerful family who rebuilt the nearby Theatre of Marcellus into a fortress.
One family member, Pietro Pierleone, became an important cardinal. He was later elected Pope Anacletus II, though he was later considered an "antipope," meaning his election was not recognized by everyone.
The church was rebuilt in 1599. Giacomo della Porta designed its new front. However, the old medieval bell tower, which was once a fortified tower, was not changed. If you go under the altar, you can find stairs leading to the crypt and the foundations of the old Roman temples. There's also an ancient basalt bathtub under the main altar, which holds relics of martyrs.
What You Can See at San Nicola in Carcere Today
Today, the church is known for its special devotion to the Madonna, or Virgin Mary. Two important devotions celebrated here are to Our Lady of Pompeii and Our Lady of Guadalupe. A copy of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe was sent here from Mexico in 1773.
Places to Visit Nearby
If you visit San Nicola in Carcere, you'll find many other famous Roman landmarks close by:
- Piazza Venezia
- Campidoglio
- Theatre of Marcellus
- Temple of Portunus in the Forum Boarium
- Santa Maria in Cosmedin and the Bocca della Verità
Images for kids
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San Nicola in Carcere.
See also
In Spanish: San Nicola in Carcere para niños
