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Earthquakes in Rome over the centuries had caused severe damage to many of the ancient buildings. In an effort to prevent further destruction, windows and doorways were built up with bricks. For centuries, the arches of this campanile had been closed so that the walls appeared almost as solid as the wall to the right of this picture but, about 50 years ago, after the end of the 2nd World War, a programme of restoration was commenced funded by the generosity of Cardinal Spellman whose Titular Church was Sts. John & Paul's. Now the bell-tower is buttressed from within with steel girders and the arches have been opened and the medallions of coloured marble and terra-cotta have been restored. |
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Another
view of the Campanile. 
This
view of the side of the Basilica reveals the manner in which windows
had been in-filled with brickwork to provide stability. It also is evidence
of the changes made in the architecture of the Basilica when it was
'converted' from its original style in the years when Baroque became
popular. Many of the arched windows and the smaller circular lunettes
were closed while the others were modified into rectangular designs.
Within the church the changes were even more drastic.