The Basilica of San Clemente in Rome was built during the Middle Ages in Rome, and was dedicated to Saint Clement, the third successor of Saint Peter. The Basilica of San Clemente is most known for its magnificent mosaic apse, unique paintings, and sculptures inside the church. This basilica has a rich history. San Clemente was converted from a house, a horreum, and a mithraeum in the first half of the third century (1). In the fourth century, this basilica was built on top of a hidden church for those who were practicing their Catholic Faith in secret. In 1084, a raid of Vikings destroyed most of the original church and in the twelfth century a new church (with the few remains of the old church) was constructed. The details within the church, particularly its mosaics, were crafted around circa 1130. The basilica is most known for its apse, which is a stunning mosaic depicting different images from Salvation History. The décor of this church is referenced frequently because it is an example of blending pagan and Christian motifs found in the Late Antiquity and in early Christian mosaics of Rome.
The apse mosaic in the San Clemente Basilica was dedicated to Pope Saint Clement, who had a great impact on the Church during the Middle Ages. The magnificent apse in San Clemente sits above the high altar, crowned with many jewels. At the center of the apse is Christ crucified, illustrated as the Three of Life. Around the Tree of Life are twelve doves, baskets full of fruit, angels, a shepherd, his sheep, a woman, and the Doctors of the Church. These images adorned around the Cross of Christ are meant to represent the richness of nature and culture, coming together, as they find their source in the power of the Crucified Christ. The twelve doves are meant to symbolize the apostles and peace. On both sides of the Cross, at the center of the apse, are Mother Mary and Saint John the Beloved. Above the Cross is the hand of God the Father. From the Tree of Life comes forth the vine and the four rivers of Eden. Within the right side of the arch is the city of Jerusalem (at the base), the prophet Jeremiah, St. Peter, and St. Paul. On the left is the little town of Bethlehem (at the base), the prophet Isaiah, St. Paul, and then St. Lawrence. Each of these prophets and saints are depicted on the arches because of their great significance in Church history.
The Basilica of San Clemente is a great expression of Rome’s history and stands out for its extraordinary archaeological timeline showing a visible slice of Christian and Roman life over the centuries (2). The figures chosen to be a part of the mosaics are a reflection of Rome’s past. On the bottom of the mosaic, in between the illustrations of Bethlehem and Jerusalem are the words, “Ecclesiam Cristi viti similabimus isti quam lex arentem, set crus facit esse virentem,” which translate to, “We have compared the Church of Christ to this vine; the Law made it wither but the Cross made it bloom.” This directly pertains to the vine that comes forth from Christ Crucified, at the center of the apse. The purpose of this specific placement is to show that the Crucified Christ is the source of all life. From Him, man derives all laws and receives nourishment. Below the words, at the bottom of the apse, are twelve sheep that are facing the Lamb of God. This is a reference to the Book of Revelation. We read in Sacred Scripture, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NAB). As expressed in this passage from the Gospel of John, we must stay connected to the vine (the sacramental life of the Church) to receive our nourishment.
The apse mosaic in the center of San Clemente is a beautiful symbol of redemption and renewal. The vine that runs throughout the mosaic is a reminder of Christ, who is the True Vine, and who abundantly provides nourishment (the Eucharist) to His people. Let this mosaic be a reminder to all who gaze upon it and pray beneath it that Christ is our Lord and apart from Him, we can do nothing. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower… Remain in me, as I remain in you… Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me” (Jn 15:1).
[1] "Architecture and Catholicism," New Catholic Encyclopedia Supplement 2011, edited by Robert L. Fastiggi, vol. 1, Gale, 2011, pp. 11-22, Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX1393000020/GVRL?u=23009&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=6f7628dd. Accessed 2 March 2022.
[2] David Yonke, “Plain Exterior Belies Riches inside Rome’s San Clemente: Basilica Shows Christian Life over Centuries.” Blade, The (OH), https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=n5h&AN=2W61824714191&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=s9245834&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
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