The Basilica of Santi Nereo and Achilleo

The basilica of Saints Nereo and Achilleo is close to the Baths of Caracalla and is dedicated to the two martyrs victims of Diocletian’s persecution.

Built in the fourth century AD, the basilica was rebuilt at the end of the eighth century at the behest of Pope Leo III who, for this reason, had the surrounding marshy area reclaimed. However, a short time later, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.

From the fifteenth century, the church underwent several restorations, one of the most important under the pontificate of Clement VII, on the occasion of which the relics of the two saints were placed under the main altar where they still visible.

At the center of the external façade, above a portal flanked by two granite columns supporting a triangular tympanum, the epigraph "titulus Fasciolae", refers to the legend according to which the apostle Peter, who escaped from the Mamertine prison, lost here one of the bandages which were around his wounds. The interior of the church has three naves, divided by octagonal pillars. On the walls you can admire the frescoes with "Stories of Martyrs" painted by Pomarancio, characterized by intense realism.

The episcopal chair is also of considerable interest, with two lions attributed to the Vassalletto workshop.

Photo credits: courtesy of the Special Superintendency of Rome official site