Roma - Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

The "Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem" ("Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme") is one of the seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Within the 3rd century, Empress Helena, Constantin´s mother, had the church built within her "Palazzo Sessoriano". Helena had returned from the "Holy Land" with hundreds of relics of which some were housed here. According to legends, the Basilica's floor at that time was covered with soil from Jerusalem.

Of course the basilica got enlarged and remodelled over the centuries. The campanile was added within the 12th century, the Baroque facade dates to the 18th century. The "Cappella delle Reliquie" inside the basilica still houses some of the old relics.

Since some decades here is a shrine with relics of Antonietta Meo (aka "Nennolina"). She died, only 6 years old, in 1930. Her body was transferred to the shrine in 1999. The process of her canonization is underway.

It took the photo just before sunset - and is a selfie. The shadow between bench and streetlamp is mine!