Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere

The medieval Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, already existing in the 6th century. It stands in the area of the ancient Forum Holitorium, on the site where three temples once stood, which were transformed into a prison during the Middle Ages (hence the name “in carcere”).

Built in 1128, it was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, as the Greek community living in the area was particularly devoted to the saint. The small square of the Forum Holitorium, with the three temples of Janus, Hope, and Juno Sospita at its center, was used as a herb and vegetable market. The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1599 by architect Giacomo Della Porta. Further restored and decorated during the pontificate of Pope Pius IX in 1865, it was cleared of the buildings leaning against it in 1932 to reveal the remains of the ancient temples.

For the 2026 Musical Season, the Orchestra of I Virtuosi dell’opera di Roma will perform “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons” at the Basilica: four concerts for violin and strings representing scenes of nature in music, each inspired by a season of the year.

The program is also enriched by other significant sacred music concerts for strings.