A medieval Romanesque jewel in the heart of Tivoli, the church of San Silvestro was probably built by Pope Simplicius in the late 5th century.
As of today, the building houses asingle nave, which guides the visitor up to the chancel, where the very precious frescoes dating from around the end of the 12th century stand out.
Beneath its rich cosmatesque stone tessellated floor, a small window allows a glimpse of the striking crypt over which thealtar area rises.
In thetriumphal arch above theapse, stands the blessing Christ shrouded in light, with the Evangelists and the twenty-four watchmen of the Apocalypse offering the golden chalices filled with the prayers of the faithful.
In theapse, the Messiah appears in the sky, even more majestic, cloaked in gold and crowned by the right hand of God the Father, as he transmits the Gospel law to the apostles Peter and Paul.
Below, theLamb of God is surrounded by the Twelve Apostles, also depicted as lambs.
This is followed by a depiction of the Virgin seated on a throne with the Child, surrounded by Saints John the Baptist and Evangelist and the Prophets.
Finally, we glimpse the stories ofEmperor Constantine and St. Sylvester Pope, to whom, according to legend, the former gave the city of Rome.
Dominating thesmall square of the same name, the church of San Silvestro still bears witness to the ancient splendors of the superb city.
