The Chiesa di San Nicola a Capo di Bove is a deconsecrated church along the Via Appia Antica in Rome. Located across the road from the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, it is completely devoid of decorations and does not even have a roof anymore.
A brief history of the Church of San Nicola a Capo di Bove
The church owes the Capo di Bove part of its name to ox head decorations on the mausoleum across the road. The mausoleum had been constructed in the 13th century by Francesco Caetani (who was a nephe of Pope Bonifacius VIII), inside the walls of what was then a castle belonging to the family. Dedication of the church as achapel of the palace took place on May 12th, 1303.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, who is better known as Nicholas of Bari. In reality the saint was not from Bari at all, but from what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas lived from 270 till 343.
What to see
The Chiesa di San Nicola a Capo di Bove is one of very few examples of Gothic churches in Rome.
The building consists of a single nave, ending in an apse. Since the bell-gable surmounting the left side of the facade is made in a different manner, it was probably built at a later date. What is unusual about the church, is that the floor is about 35 centimeters above street level.
The sides of the church are supported by buttresses and decorated with pointed arches and trefoil monoforas.