View of the Basilica of San Sebastiano fuori delle mura [St. Sebastian ouside the Walls] on the Appian Way, from Vedute di Roma (Roman Views) 1745 - 1755

Giovanni Battista Piranesi etched this view of the Basilica of San Sebastiano in Rome, immortalizing its architectural grandeur. The Basilica stands as a testament to faith, its crosses atop the bell tower and dome reaching towards the heavens, symbols of sacrifice, redemption, and a connection between the earthly and divine realms. The cross, central to Christian iconography, has traversed millennia, evolving from a symbol of execution to one of salvation and spiritual awakening. We see echoes of similar directional symbolism in ancient pagan traditions: obelisks in Egypt, and the axis mundi, all serving as cosmic connectors. Reflect on how such symbols evoke a deeply ingrained human desire for meaning and transcendence. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols, their enduring ability to tap into our collective memory, resurfacing and re-emerging through generations.