151.

Chiesa e Monastero di S. Cosimato, delle Suore Francescane osservanti

On the western edge of the built up area of Trastevere, what was once surrounded by open fields, is the 10th century S. Cosimato complex (1). It’s closest neighbors of note are S. Maria in Trastevere, Plate 60 and S. Pasquale dei Riformati Spagnoli, Plate 130. Today the monastery, now a hospital, borders the triangular piazza of the same name. Its isolated position explains the defensive perimeter wall in which the entrance gate and porch are set. Vasi's print is an illustration of the rising of the ground level over the centuries, because the two people passing between the columns have descended some steps to approach the door. That entrance gave onto an irregularly shaped court at the end of which was the church of SS. Cosma e Damiano, rebuilt in the late 15th century next to a medieval cloister. The gate at far right which no longer exists was the entrance to the farm belonging to the convent. Further up the Janiculum hill is the casino of the Villa Ottoboni (2) (now Villa Sciarra) built close to the Baroque walls which can be seen descending to the left next to the building.