October 14, 2021

It has been said that one of great differences between the U.S. and Europe is that for Americans, 100 miles is a short distance and 100 years is a long time.  Nowhere is this time contrast better seen than in the architecture. Take for example, the little Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere that sits in the Forum Olitorium along side of the ancient Roman Theatre of Marcellus.  Small scale models inside the church show that three temples from the 2nd & 3rd centuries B.C. stood in this forum.  In 1128, the middle temple was converted into the Church of Saint Nicolas, revered by the Greek community living in this area at that time.  Doric and Ionic columns from the 2,200 year old temples are still visible imbedded the church walls.  A neoclassical facade designed by Giacomo della Porta was added in 1599.  And the "Parte Superiore", the restorations and decorations added in 1865, the year the the U.S. Civil war ended, are relatively brand new!

San Nicola in Carcere

Doric columns from Roman Temple of Hope visible

Taller Ionic columns from Temple of Janus on opposite side

Model of San Nicola juxtaposed with original Roman Temples

Exterior plaque showing various dates.

Nave of San Nicola in Carcere

Mismatched columns taken from other Roman Ruins

Frescos and Statues in the Nave

Madonna & Child fresco by Antoniazzo Romano, 1470

The nearby Theatre of Marcellus