Front

Front

View of the front of the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem in Rome.   The Bishop's Chair is in front of the tomb of Cardinal Francisco Quinones (1482–1540).  Below his name the inscription reads: "Far be it for us to glory save in the cross" (Galatians 6:14).

Above the tomb, the two interior columns are of porphyry.  The statue on the left is that of Solomon and on the right is David.  In the center, two angels hold a bronze cup with the inscription "Here, Adore God."


The church is also known as the Basilica Sessoriana, and Santa Croce in Gerusalemme.  It was rebuilt in 1144.  The present building was constructed in 1743–1744 as noted in the Latin inscription above the main entrance: "Benedict XIV Pontifex maximus in honor of the Holy Cross in the fourth year of his pontificate."