San Tommaso in Formis

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San Tommaso in Formis
English name:	St Thomas at the Aqueduct
Dedication:	Thomas the Apostle
Denomination:
Built:	Rebuilt 1209
Architect(s):
Artists:
Contact data
Address:	10 Via di San Paolo della Croce

San Tommaso in Formis is a church dedicated to St Thomas the Apostle.

[edit] History

The church is ancient, but was rebuilt in 1209 by the Trinitarian Order. It had been given to St John of Matha by Pope Innocent III two years before, and was the first seat of the Order. They also built a hospital adjacent to the church, but after it had fallen into decline it was demolished in 1925. The appellation, in Formis, refers to the aqueduct of Claudius.

The church was restored several times in the 16th and 18th centuries, and little is left of the medieval furnishings and decorations.

[edit] Exterior

Parts of the Trinitarian complex remains. The side façade, which is partially preserved, has a fine Romanesque entrance crowned by a mosaic by Cosma Cosmati of Christ between to Freed Slaves. Freeing slaves was one of the main tasks of the Trinitarians, and the mosaic depicts the Seal of the Order.

The arch above the door is signed by «master Jacobus and his son Cosmatus», and dated 1218.

[edit] Interior

The altar is decorated with a blue and red cross, a symbol of the Trinitarian order. Their coat-of-arms is painted on the ceiling.

St John of Matha's cell is preserved in the church.