Chiostro del Capitolo

In front of the small church of Santa Elena, a long lobby leads to the 'Chiostro del Duomo', also known as the 'Chiostro del Capitolo'. This Roman-style edifice was built around 1140 on the site of a Paleo-Christian basilica - the remains of which are still visible today. Much later, it was partially re-constructed after a bombing raid in 1945. Particularly remarkable are the mosaic floors, the double order of columns in red regent marble with the small two-ringed arch , and, in the centre the parapet over the fifteenth-century well. In one corner of the cloister stands the 'Carcer caplitis' or 'prison of priests'. Next to the cloister stands the 'Bibioteca Ccapitolare'. Dating back to the fifth century, this is one of the most well-stocked ecclesiastical libraries in Europe.

Copyright © 1999-2009 wcities.com All rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

• Attraction Type: Religious Buildings

• Add to MY Places