Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Yesterday we visited the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. It's not in a very accessible or frequently-visited part of town but is quite a treasure. It was built over the house of St. Cecilia in the 5th century. Like many of Rome's buildings it has been remodeled and renovated throughout the centuries. Here is a picture of the 18th century facade and the 12th century belltower.


The most famous piece of art in this church is the dramatic statue of St. Cecilia, sculpted to represent her body as it was found in the Catacombs. This sculpture is remarkable because of its similarity to many of Bernini's sculptures, even though it predates Bernini by nearly 100 years.


Excavations underneath the church have turned up parts of Republican Rome, notable this granary, where grain was stored in large, circular cavites in the ground to conserve it at the proper temperature.


This is part of the ancient crypt under the church.


The underground chapel where the relics of St. Cecilia are.


When we came back up into the church we found that a pigeon had flown in the door and was hopping around on the communion rail.


The magnificent 9th century mosaic in the apse.


The courtyard to the rear of the church.