THE MOSAIC OF THE APSE
DATES from 527-530 AD.

The dominating figure in the center is that of Christ the Judge, who stands above the dramatically colored clouds, clothed in a clasped toga and stole signifying a learned man. To approach Christ, it is necessary to cross the Jordan River, symbol of Baptism and life giving grace. The Apostle Peter presents Cosmas and the Apostle Paul presents Damian so that they may receive the crown of their martyrdom.

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THE MAIN ALTAR AND TABERNACLE

The High Altar was designed by Domenico Castelli at the order of Fr. Ludovico Ciotti. It was constructed in 1638 employing the four black and white marble columns which formally supported the Baldachino above the ancient altat in the crypt. It is a shrine altar in the baroque style. It is very linear in the richness of its form and its vertical dimension.

In the 18th century, the tabernacle, or ciborium, in the shape of a little temple was fashioned from ebony and stone, mixed marble and bronze. It formally was adorned with an ivory crucifix and statuettes in its niches, along with two adoring angels on either side above the frame. There were also two vases in the side niches.

THE 16th CENTURY CHOIR STALLS

The carved choir stalls built in 1635, are placed along the rear of the apse. The 45 stalls arranged in two levels - 25 on the upper level and 20 on the lower level, are the location for the community prayer of the friars.

From a stylistic viewpoint, the choir combines classic elements with the emerging baroque, filtered through a Florentine influence. The design is, perhaps, that of Luigi Arrigucci, while the execution of the work has been attributed to the patient labor of anonymous friar-artisans belonging to the TOR community.

THE CEILING

The wooden ceiling was executed in 1632 and is the work of the artisan Francesco Nave. It displays a geometric design with rectangular inserts decorated in alternating red and green backgrounds.

IN THE CENTER OF THE CEILING

In the center of the ceiling there is a large oil painting on canvas by Marco Tullio Montagna (1633) depicting SSTs. Cosmas and Damian in glory under the gaze of the Madonna.

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The 17th Century Cloister

The cloister forms part of the friary constructed by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular in the years 1623-1632 according to the design of the Architect Orazio Torriani. Along the walkways one can admire the frescos of Francesco Allegrini da Gubbio representing the life of Francis.  At one time, in the center of the cloister there was a well to collect rainwater.

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THE RELIQUARY OF SAINT MATTHEW

The relics of SSTs. Cosmas and Damian were found in the "pozzetto" in the "recognition" of 1924. It was found to contain also a special relic of St. Matthew Apostle and Evangelist. This reliquary is an example of Norman art and comes from Salerno. It is in embossed silver. The Abbot of Montecassino, Desiderio, afterwards Pope Victor III, donated it to the Cencio-Frangipane Family who in turn donated it to the Basilica in 1080. Around the reliquary is written: + RELIQUIE ... etc.

THE REPOSITORY FOR THE HOLY OILS

This cosmatesque repository for the keeping of the Holy Oils was donated by Cardinal Guido Pisano 1150. It is of white marble, with a mosaic of patterned glass set into the wall. The wooden doors are painted in gold leaf. It is of the same style as the candelabrum for the paschal candle and the pavement of the sanctuary in the lower basilica.

THE CABINET FOR PROTECTING
THE RELICS - SACRISTY