The San Clemente Project is Hortus’ three-phase initiative to preserve a crown jewel of the Catholic Church. The 800-year-old Basilica di San Clemente urgently needs restoration to preserve its witness to faith through beauty.
“I can’t imagine an asset of this importance and beauty that doesn’t already have support from the Italian government or the Vatican… if it’s not us, who else is going to do it?
Throughout the Basilica, paint is cracking and peeling; irreplaceable frescoes are decaying, a few sections already irretrievable; wood carved gilded frames, ornamentation, and the baroque coffered ceiling are in disrepair.
Phase 1: Restoration
Timeline: 2 Years
Restoration of internal artwork damaged by time, humidity, and insects.
Cleaning and repair of marble elements
Repainting & plaster restoration
Modernize the lighting and audio systems
Hortus is leading the effort to save these good fruits of sacred art. Join the movement to save this treasure of the Church!
The 4th century Basilica serves as the foundation for the modern San Clemente. Ancient artwork survives on the walls below, including one of the earliest examples of written Italian language.
The Old Basilica also safeguards relics of early Church Fathers like St. Cyril, and martyrs such as St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Clement, the third Pope.
Phase II: Excavation & Preservation
Timeline: 2 Years
Preserve the surviving artworks on the 4th Century level.
Excavate a new gathering space with room for interactive museum elements
Upgrade visitor safety: flow, emergency exits, and electrical systems.
A top-notch museum experience will provide ongoing revenue while guiding visitors throughout the Basilica’s layers—from now all the way back to Roman times.
1700AD
800AD
200AD
“There’s this amazing sensation of a ‘time elevator’...at San Clemente, you can feel it.
—Prof Elizabeth Lev
Phase III: The San Clemente Experience
Timeline: 1.5 Years
Ensure the Roman buildings and Mithraic temple in the deepest level remain open
Updated museum functions: accessibility to all levels, visitor flow, and ticketing system.
3D models & atmospheric elements that enhance visitor experience
An interactive tour app to guide visitors through the three levels of the Basilica
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