058a.

[Basilica di S. Sebastiano]

The 4th century church of S. Sebastiano (1) is located on the Via Appia Antica about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) from Porta S. Sebastiano, Plate 10. It is built over a set of Early Christian catacombs in which the saint was buried. The facade was designed by Ponzio but completed by Vasanzio in 1615. S. Sebastiano is one of the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) to be visited by all pious pilgrims coming to Rome. In the formal procession which visited the Seven Churches it was next in sequence after S. Paolo fuori le Mura, Plate 100, from which it was reached by the Via delle Sette Chiese (2) which is shown entering Via Appia at the right edge of the print. Further out on the Via Appia, at far left we see the ancient cylindrical Tomb of Cecilia Metella (3). In the first years of the 14th century, the Caetani family turned it into a fortress anchoring a rectangular walled stronghold known as Capo di Bove. Via Appia passed into this fortified perimeter through the gate (now demolished) visible to the right of the tomb.