Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin was erected in the place where the ancient temple of Hercules was located. In 1893, during excavations on the church grounds, ancient fragments of antiquity were discovered. Archaeologists have mistaken them for parts of the Herculean Altar, erected on the site where Hercules once performed one of his exploits.
Through the mouth of truth
This temple is located in one of the most beautiful places on the left bank of the Tiber River, overlooking the Bull Forum, where a lively cattle trade was conducted in the old days. When visiting Rome, many tourists rush to see the extraordinary marble hatch, which depicts the pagan sea god Triton with his mouth half open. This exhibit is more than two millennia old, it is kept in the gallery of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Luke is called the "Mouth of Truth," and he became a celebrity after the release of the movie "Roman Holiday." The ancient Romans considered it a lie detector for unfaithful husbands and wives. There is a belief that if someone who puts his hand in the doorway deceives his marriage partner, then the motionless mouth will instantly tear off his hand.
Romanesque architecture
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is characterized by a slightly tilted seven-tiered high campanile. Tourists compare it to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The name "Cosmedin" (in Greek, beautiful) was given to the church during the ministry of Greek monks. Today it is difficult to talk about the rich decoration of the church, but in those early days it was certainly really beautiful.
The church has been renovated several times: at the origins of the XII and XIX centuries. It does not stand out for its luxurious decoration, but there is a "shadow of the past" in it.
The temple was built in the style of Romanesque architecture, which was formed in Western Europe in the middle of the XI century. It was typical for builders of that time to build monasteries similar to fortresses. Beauty was of secondary importance. The main thing. To make the walls strong and sturdy. The interior features many vaults and arches, with a semicircular appearance.
St. Valentine
There is a skull of Saint Valentine in one of the altars of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. It is decorated with flowers and is a wonderful sight. It is in his honor that all lovers celebrate their holiday on February 14.
According to legend, Saint Valentine served in the temple as a priest in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Legend has it that Valentine secretly married young couples when men who were free from "marital ties" were considered the best soldiers in the country. Valentine's actions were considered a diversion against the emperor's policy, and he was executed.
Historical fact
The small square in front of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin was the place of execution. A guillotine was erected here. The execution of the sentence was such a sad fact that the name of the last state executioner, Mastro Titta, went down in history. According to the documents, over the course of 70 years, he took the lives of 516 people.
The Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is the greatest creation of mankind, built by the ancient Romans as evidence of the existence of a Great Empire.
