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 |
| Religious institute | Clerics Regular of the Mother of God |
| 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 (which means "Saint Nicholas in prison" in Italian) is a very old church in Rome, Italy. It's located near an ancient market area called the Forum Boarium. This church is special because it was built using parts of three old Roman temples! It's also known as a "titular church," which means it's connected to a cardinal, and a "minor basilica," which is a church with special importance given by the Pope.
Contents
Discovering the Church's Past
The first church on this spot was likely built around the 500s. We know this from an old writing found on a column near the entrance. The church was officially dedicated in 1128.
Built on Ancient Ruins
San Nicola in Carcere was built right on top of, and even using materials from, the ruins of an ancient Roman market called the Forum Holitorium. This market had three important temples. There was also a jail (carcer in Latin) nearby, which is how the church got its name "in Carcere." For a long time, people thought this was the famous Mamertine Prison, but it was actually a different prison from a later time.
Visible History in the Walls
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 part of the church's front. Columns from the Temple of Janus, built after a big naval victory in 260 BC, are in the church's northern wall. Six columns from the Temple of Spes can be seen in the southern wall. It's like the church is a puzzle made from history!
Who Built It?
The church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas by Greek people living in the area long ago. In the 11th century, a powerful family called the Pierleoni helped rebuild the church. One member of this family, Pietro Pierleone, became a very important cardinal.
Modern Look and Hidden Depths
The church was rebuilt in 1599, and a famous architect named Giacomo della Porta designed its new front. However, the old bell tower, which used to be a fortified tower, was kept. If you go inside, you can find stairs under the altar that lead down to the church's crypt. Even deeper, you can explore the foundations of the ancient Roman temples it was built upon. There's also an old stone bath tub under the main altar, which is said to hold relics of martyrs.
The Church Today
Today, San Nicola in Carcere is a place where people honor the Madonna. Two special devotions celebrated here are to Our Lady of Pompeii (from Italy) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (from Mexico). A copy of the famous painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe was sent here from Mexico in 1773.
Nearby Landmarks
This church is surrounded by many other famous places in Rome, including:
- Piazza Venezia
- Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)
- Theatre of Marcellus
- Temple of Portunus in the Forum Boarium
- Santa Maria in Cosmedin and the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth)
See also
In Spanish: San Nicola in Carcere para niños
