Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere

The Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere is a church in Rome built on the remains of three Roman temples in the Forum Holitorium, dedicated to Janus, Juno Sospita, and Hope. This particularity makes the basilica an extraordinary example of historical and religious continuity, where the ancient and the new merge into a single structure. The current church dates back to the 10th century, but has undergone numerous modifications and restorations over the centuries, enriching its architectural and artistic appearance. The facade, in Renaissance style, is simple and austere, while the interior is characterized by a wide and bright central nave, flanked by two side aisles. A point of great interest is the Romanesque bell tower, one of the few remaining intact in Rome, which rises imposingly above the church. The interior of the basilica is enriched with numerous works of art, including medieval and Renaissance frescoes decorating the walls and side chapels. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery, during archaeological excavations carried out in the 19th century, of numerous architectural and sculptural fragments of the Roman temples on which the basilica stands. These artifacts have been integrated into the structure of the church and are still visible today, offering visitors a fascinating testimony of ancient Rome’s history. Beneath the main altar is a crypt that houses the relics of San Nicola, venerated by the faithful and a pilgrimage destination. The crypt is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the saint’s life and Christian symbols, creating an atmosphere of intense spirituality.