Basilica of Saint John at the Latin Gate – Rome, Italy
At the end of the second century A.D. Tertullian informs us that at Rome St. John the evangelist underwent martyrdom by being immersed in boiling oil, from which he emerged unscathed. The place where this was said to have occurred is at the Latin Gate. He was later exiled to Patmos.
The basilica was erected after Gelasius (492-496). Evidenced of this can be seen from the taxation stamp on ancient roof tiles from the church. One of these is conserved as the lectern and bears a seal of the Emperor Theodoric (495-526).
The basilica was restored in the 8th century under Adrian I and later underwent a change of facade, with the addition of the campanile and porch. At the end of the 12th century it was reconsecrated by Pope Celestine III (1190) and a commemoration stone of this event is found on the frontal of the lectern. In the 17th century a baroque ceiling was added and in consequence the frescoes below this level were destroyed. In the years 1940-41 the basilica was carefully re-stored to its 12th century simplicity when the Rosminian Order accepted care of the church. Alongside the basilica, they established the Missionary College “Antonio Rosmini”.
The little piazza in front of the church and adorned with a 100 years old Cedar of Lebanon. The white marble well head dating from the 8th century bears an inscription of the baptismal formula.
The porch
The four columns of the porch, each of different marble, support five arches. The entrance doors are framed in a simple mosaic of green and porphyry. Traces of a large fresco may be detected beneath the porch, central to which is a design of the Redeemer.
The belltower
The magnificent romanesque campanile soars above the porch. Three of its five delicate storeys have elegant, slender three-arched apertures. Note the enameled medallions on the upper storeys.
The interior
The interior has three naves divided by two files of five columns, each matching pair is of different marble, as they originated from ancient roman temples. Above these rise semicircular arches. The central and side naves have open beams in the roof and the central vault leads to a semicircular apse. Interestingly, the exterior of this apse is a half-hexagon, each side of which is pierced by a large window glazed in honey coloured onyx.
The geometrically designed paving in front of the altar is of coloured marble in the “cosmatesque” style. Inserted in the altar step is the ancient Title of the basilica in roman lettering which was dis-covered during the most recent restoration. The simplicity and warmth of the church lends itself as a desirable place for weddings.
The frescoes
In the years 1913-15, restoration led to the discovery of murals in the vault of the sanctuary. After this the frescoes along the length of the central nave revealed a cycle of paintings of exceptional importance for the study of mediaeval art in Rome. We see a series of about 50 scenes taken from the Old Testament (upper series) and the New (lower series); from the Creation of the World to the glory of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. The front of the apse shows the symbols of the four evangelists around the Lamb who is holding the sealed Scroll. The sides of the apse display the Elders of the Apocalypse laying down their crowns in homage. Above the entrance is the scene of the Last Judgement.
The Chapel of St. John in Oleo
