Churches of Rome

by Pierre Grimal

Rome - imperial city, fountain-head of the Christian world and site of some of the world's most amazing ecclesiastical architecture. This book takes the reader on a journey through Rome's most important churches. 180 cathedrals, churches and chapels are featured, from grand basilicas to intimate chapels. In the process, the book provides a dramatic portrayal of the history of Christianity - from its earlier days, its upheaval and schisms, to the glories of the Renaissance and beyond.

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Admitted to the École Normale Supérieure in 1933, and receiving a third in the "Agrégation des lettres" in 1935, he was member of the French School at Rome (1935-1937) then taught Latin at a Rennes lycée. Then he was active as a professor of Roman civilization at the faculties of Caen and Bordeaux, and finally at the Sorbonne for thirty years.
He published studies on the Roman civilization, of which many volumes to the "Que sais-je?" series, and translations of Latin classical authors (Cicero, Seneca the Younger, Tacitus, Plautus, Terence). On his retirement, he also published biographies and fictionalized histories (Mémoires d’Agrippine, le procès Néron), more intended for the general public.
At the end of his life, he campaigned for the safeguarding of literary teaching.

Source

Reviews

[Servabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surely it would surprise few to learn that Rome boasts more churches than any other city in the world. Today, the ancient soil supports over 200 Christian houses of worship. Many of them rest on the sites or foundations of earlier churches. Yet even those with their original walls intact have frequently undergone major alteration, affecting not only interiors but also structure, decor and purpose. Some were built to accommodate large congregations; others are like private oratories more than places open to all comers. Some belong to monasteries, whereas others open their doors to pilgrims from every part of the globe. All bear witness to the fact that, despite schism, Reformation, and Counter-Reformation, Rome remains the capital of Christianity.

While raising more and more cupolas over basilicas as well as over oratories and votive chapels, architects were also busy designing and disseminating a new style of facade destined to achieve widespread success. For a long time, churches had been preceded by a portico. The portico masked the lower part of the facade, which therefore remained bare or perhaps ornamented in a simple manner closely related to the wall's function. In the course of the 16th century, the facade grew ever more complex, as architects explored its intrinsic nature and rhythm.

1) Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
2) Church of Santi Quattro Coronati
3) Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
4) Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle
5) Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
6) Church of Sant'Ignazio
7) Church of the Gesu
8) Chapel of Sant'Ivo della Sapienza