Among the most captivating and fascinating basilicas of Rome deserves a mention that one of San Lorenzo in Lucina, located on an open space that opens along Via del Corso, a few steps from the Parliament of Italy.

This is one of the oldest churches in Rome if we consider that it was, at least according to the sources in our possession, built during the 5th century a.D. on a previous Christian place of worship (perhaps a domus ecclesia). A common destiny to many Roman churches, an evolution that unfolded from private homes lent, more or less secretly, to the Christian community up to royal churches under the sunlight, especially following the Edict of Milan of the 313 a.D. signed by Constantine and Licinius who gave freedom of worship also to Christians. There are many curiosities and legends around the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, starting with its strange name. In fact, what does the term Lucina mean? It probably derives from an ancient minor deity belonging to the Roman polytheistic religion. The Romans used to pray, thank and identify divinities even in the smallest things, or in the most common events. This is the example of Luceres, the deity who took care about the birth, at the exact moment when the unborn child leaves the maternal womb, seeing the first light of his life!

After that now it is time to go inside the basilica, with a single nave flanked by chapels, having, each single one, its own peculiarity and beauty. A clear Renaissance setting, since the basilica, like many other churches that date back to the same period of foundation, has undergone numerous restorations and reconstructions over the centuries. To mention those made by the pontiff Pasquale II in the twelfth century, a pope certainly very active from the point of view of religious construction, a pope who is concerned with restoring many churches in Rome, even centuries old! As mentioned, the church hides many treasures, some visible and others a little less... first of all, worthily placed in a precious reliquary, under the altar of the first chapel on the right we find the pieces of the grill in which, according to tradition, San Lorenzo was barbarously martyred (hence the title of the church itself, built exactly at the point of his martyrdom according to a millenary tradition).

Also worth mentioning, as you can see in the photo, is an extraordinary work by Bernini. Notice that marble bust that almost seems to want to leave its space? Obviously  it is a fruit of Bernini's genius, who was always able to bring life to his works of art, as in this case, to give them energy and vitality by means of the pose, the gestures, the smallest details. Then another masterpiece is the Crucifixion by Guido Reni, that is clearly visible near the main altar, which also helps the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina to be worthy of much more than a visit. Moreover don't forget the unusual funerary monument dedicated to Poussin, a mysterious work of art that you can read something more here. I also recommend, if you can, to admire what is underneath the church: an underground archaeological area where it is possible to come into contact with Roman substructures and remains, fragments of the buildings present here during the Roman Empire. An ever-evolving history that of Rome, capable of showing itself fully even within a splendid basilica in Rome having just 1500 years behind its historical walls...