057.

Chiesa di S. Sabba Abate

Built on the southern spur of the Aventine hill in what was the remotest part of the city, and entirely surrounded by vigne (farms) is the medieval church and monastery of S. Saba (1). The Nolli map shows the massive protective wall which surrounded the site, pierced by the deep barrel-vaulted gateway (2) which dates from the 13th century. The triangular top of the facade of the early church is seen protruding above a porticoed structure attached to it at the time of Pope Pius II (1458-64). At the right edge of the print Vasi displays an ancient, elaborately carved sarcophagus (3) which, as he notes, is actually located in the porch of the church. The elegant gateway at the left edge of the view was the entrance to the vanished Vigna Vivaldi (Nolli), with a large building at one end suggesting that it was more of a villa than a farm.