Basilica of St Lawrence Outside the Walls — Attraction in Rome

About1550, the headless statue of a seated Wgure was discovered near the Church of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, in the suburbs of Rome.8 Inscribed in Greek characters on a plinth on the rear of the chair is a list of writings. These include a work ‘On the Psalms' , ‘On John the Evangelist and the Apocalypse' , a ‘Chronicle to the Greeks' , an ‘Apostolic Tradition' , and a ‘Demonstration of the dates of Easter in Tabular Form' . On the right side of the chair there is a heading above a 16-year table of Paschal full moons. On the left side of the chair there is a 112-year list of dates for Easter Sunday, under the heading, ‘First year of Alexander Caesar: the Sundays of the Pascha year by year: points indicate the bissextum.' The inscriptions belong paleographically to the Wrst half of the third century (Brent 1995: 3–4). At the head of the 16-year table the inscription reads:

In the Wrst year of the Roman emperor Alexander Severus, the 14th of the Paschal moon fell on Saturday, the Ides of April, during an embolismic month. For the succeeding years it will be as indicated in the table below. Events of the past were as noted. One must break the fast when...

Visiting the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls was an absolutely awe-inspiring experience! This ancient church, one of Rome’s lesser-known basilicas, boasts a rich history and breathtaking architecture. The peaceful yet majestic ambiance struck me the moment I stepped inside. The beautiful mosaics and the grandeur of the old columns and arches are simply stunning. It's a lot less crowded than other basilicas in Rome, which gave me the chance to really soak in the serene and spiritual atmosphere without rushing.

The grounds are also worth exploring, with a charming cloister and a tranquil cemetery that houses the tomb of St. Lawrence himself. The basilica's staff was welcoming and seemed genuinely happy to share their knowledge about the site's history and significance. This is the perfect spot for history buffs and anyone looking to reflect in a calm and historic setting. This place is recommended for history enthusiasts and...

The basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura (Saint Lawrence outside the Walls) comes from the combination of two distinct churches, one built in the 6th century AD and the other at the beginning of the 13th century AD around the tomb of Lorenzo, deacon of Spanish origin martyred under emperor Valerian and buried in the cemetery of Ciriaca along the Via Tiburtina.

The church also keeps the relics of Santo Stefano (protomartyr) and is one of the most worshipped in Rome. It is also included within the restricted number of the five most ancient and relevant patriarchal basilicas.

Emperor Constantine had already restored and adorned the tomb of San Lorenzo in the 4rth century and built a big cemeterial basilica (basilica maior) in the surroundings. At the end of the 6th century, pope Pelagius II built a new church, with three naves and practicable galleries (matronea), that completely englobed the tomb...