After yesterday's long walk, today was a day for staying in town. I went to an early mass at the Benedictine Monastery of San Giuseppe, along with nine nuns and one other person. The interior of the church is of simple decor, but includes two mosaics and remnants of frescos that may date back to the late 13th Century. Later in the day I revisited Santa Maria Maggiore, which was first built in the 9th or 10th Century (on what may have been the site of a 4th Century church), rebuilt around 1200 and then badly damaged in an 1832 earthquake. More recent excavations suggest that even earlier this may have been the site of the home of the Roman poet Propertius, over 2,000 years ago.
When I entered the Church a light was on at the bottom of the steps leading to the crypt.
At the end of this room dark, narrow steps led still further underground, but at the bottom was a closed gate. There was, however, a trace of light from above that provided a glimpse of a tile floor beyond, perhaps that of Propertius.
In the main part of the Church are the remains of beautiful frescos. I'm not sure of the dates on these, but think they are 14th Century. Here's an angel.
Saint Stephen.
Saint Anthony Abbot?
Crucifixion
Madonna and Child.
So, in this one place lived a Roman poet, stood an early Christian church, and was built and rebuilt a cathedral. Part way through its history, Francis grew up close by. It's an interesting and inspiring place to visit.
Rain is forecast for the days ahead. Will need to keep an eye on the weather before wandering too far afield.
Ciao.
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