047a.

[Basilica di S. Lorenzo fuori le Mura]

This print of the Basilica di S. Lorenzo (1) is on the page facing Vasi's view of S. Croce in Gerusalemme, Plate 47. The placement is not casual since both of these churches are numbered among the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) to be visited by all pious pilgrims coming to Rome. A ritual procession was regularly held to these major churches, and S. Lorenzo was next in sequence after S. Croce. The 1575 Lafrery view-map, dedicated to this procession, shows the pilgrims leaving S. Croce, exiting Porta Maggiore, Plate 7, visiting S. Lorenzo, then returning along the Via Tiburtina (3) and entering Porta S. Lorenzo, Plate 6. S. Lorenzo was one of the earliest churches in Rome, built at the time of Constantine (312-337). It was enlarged and restored numerous times, the most recent being after World War II during which it was severely damaged. The portico is 13th century, while the two flanking pedestals with the Albani arms (three hills topped by a star) date from the time of Clement XI (1700-1721).