Medieval Cloisters in Rome
Our tour of Medieval cloisters in Rome begins with the Basilica of
St. John Lateran. In addition to being one of the most beautiful, it
is also one of the largest in Rome, with each side measuring 36 metres.
An undisputed masterpiece by the Vassaletto family, Roman marble workers,
the cloister was built between 1215 and 1231.
The cloister, from the Latin Claustrum - meaning "closed space"
- is a large quadrangular courtyard, surrounded by arcades, situated
within a monastery. Developed in the early Middle Ages for essentially
practical purposes, since it had to connect the various rooms of the
monastic complex, it derives it style from the peri-style Roman houses.
The Basilica of the Santi Quattro Coronati is our next stop on the
tour of medieval cloisters in Rome. The complex preceded by the oldest
bell tower in Rome ( 9th Century ), is dedicated to four Dalmatian sculptors
who allegedly refused to carve the statues of pagan deities and were
martyred by Emperor Diocletian.
The atmospheric cloister, the smallest in Rome, dates from the early
1200's and is characterized by an extremely sober and modest decoration
which possesses a certain charm. The lovely fountain in the garden dates
from the 9th Century.
The next stop on our medieval cloister tour of Rome is the Basilica
of Santa Sabina. This splendid church, which has magically kept its
5th Century early Christian plan intact, is closely associated to the
figure of St. Dominic who presented is rule of the order to the pope.
The Cloister is one of Rome's largest and has a strong affinity with
contemporary Cistercian construction sites.
Of an entirely different appearance is the cloister of the Basilica
of San Paolo outside the walls. The cloister is a splendid example of
the activity of the Roman marble workers. One side of the cloister which
shows a greater decorative richness, was built by the Vasselletto family.
The artist shows influences of the medieval, Byzantine and even Etruscan
traditions - observable in the portrayal of the chimera, the mythological
fire breathing monster with a lion's head, goat's body, and the tail
of a serpent.
