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Santa Maria Antiqua features a rare collection of early medieval art
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040408/040408_antiqua_hmed_12p.h2.jpg
ROME - After 12 centuries under rubble and 24 years of restoration Rome opened the doors on Thursday to Santa Maria Antiqua – the oldest church in the Roman Forum’s ancient ruins – and its rare collection of early medieval art.
An earthquake buried the church and its numerous Byzantine and early Christian frescoes in 847 and it remained untouched until excavation and reconstruction began in 1900.
Much of the structure had survived and restorers have been hard at work on the interior since 1980 with the site to reopen to the public on April 10 until the end of May.
“The Santa Maria Antiqua is stunning testimony to the richness of a period of which there remain few other details,” said art historian Maria Andaloro.
“The opening will give the double opportunity to the public to see not only the church but also the restoration at work,” Andaloro said.
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/C...07/040408_santaMariaAntiqua_bcol.standard.jpg
While many other churches in Rome have been knocked down, destroyed or rebuilt over the centuries, Santa Maria Antiqua’s 12 centuries out of action meant it provided a perfect snapshot of early medieval artwork. . . .
Full article
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040408/040408_antiqua_hmed_12p.h2.jpg
ROME - After 12 centuries under rubble and 24 years of restoration Rome opened the doors on Thursday to Santa Maria Antiqua – the oldest church in the Roman Forum’s ancient ruins – and its rare collection of early medieval art.
An earthquake buried the church and its numerous Byzantine and early Christian frescoes in 847 and it remained untouched until excavation and reconstruction began in 1900.
Much of the structure had survived and restorers have been hard at work on the interior since 1980 with the site to reopen to the public on April 10 until the end of May.
“The Santa Maria Antiqua is stunning testimony to the richness of a period of which there remain few other details,” said art historian Maria Andaloro.
“The opening will give the double opportunity to the public to see not only the church but also the restoration at work,” Andaloro said.
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/C...07/040408_santaMariaAntiqua_bcol.standard.jpg
While many other churches in Rome have been knocked down, destroyed or rebuilt over the centuries, Santa Maria Antiqua’s 12 centuries out of action meant it provided a perfect snapshot of early medieval artwork. . . .
Full article