Here we have a photo of the interior of the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine hill of Rome, that of couse is one of the most famous basilica of the Eternal City having several masterpieces and reasons to visit it. For a local tour guide the Aventine Hill, its story and origins, its quiet atmosphere and beauties, is a must see.

It is also one of the most beautiful basilicas of Rome, in my opinion. It was erected already in the V century, and stood, therefore, as one of the oldest churches of the city, this place of christian worship is not famous only for its extraordinary architectural beauty (just think of the frescoes covering the apse and some chapels), or the numerous tombs, which, as you can see, streaking across the floor of the basilica. Its history is very long, and passes for restoration to continue (in the XIII century, in the XVI century and the last century), for architectural transformations (it was also fortified during the Middle Ages), and for some curiosities that are very special (and one of them could be known here).

But now it is time to go to the XIX century, when in 1870, after the capture of Rome by the Italian army, the basilica was transformed into a real...lazaretto! All the wounded, the sick or the dying, who, from the ranks of the army, the royal, they had had the worst of it, here were transferred. After all, the location is ideal (right on the slopes of the Aventine Hill, the most distant from the historical centre of the city for quiet and a chance to defend the territory). In this episode, the basilica continued to be used, often, as a hospital until the age of fascism. Perhaps all of this comes from a famous conclave, held in 1287, which was held right here. A severe malaria epidemic had struck the city, and spared not even the cardinal electors gathered here. Many fled from Rome, and others not presented, while still others resisted until the end, dying in the course of their functions. The only one to survive was a cardinal, perhaps, by divine grace, became Pope with the name of Nicholas IV. The strongest one won...