Santi Quattro Coronati Cloister

Rome, Italy
Early 13th century
Within the fortress-like Santi Quattro Coronati church near the Coliseum is a cloister that may be the first built in the Roman-Cosmatesque style. Named for the Cosmati family who advanced a novel style of decoration in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Cosmatesque style often made use of colorful mosaics and inlaid marble designs in churches. This cloister is attached to the southern side of the ancient basilica of Santi Quattro, the foundation for which dates to the fourth century and whose name derives from the story of four soldiers martyred under Diocletian. In the sixteenth century, the monastery and cloister was transferred to the Augustinian Nuns, in whose care it remains. A model restoration was performed on the cloister in the early twentieth century. The contemplative, two-story space is threatened by excessive dampness from subterranean water sources and accelerating deterioration of stone and plaster work; the effects of air pollution have added to the problems. A conservation plan has been developed but a significant amount of funding is still needed to rescue the cloister from further loss and deterioration.