Between 1898 and 1901, the Roman basilica of St Cecilia was the object of major archaeological excavations (carried out by the archaeologist Crostarosa) and of the construction of an impressive crypt to host the famous relics of the young Saint. The crypt is a work of architect Giovanni Battista Giovenale and was built as a shining in Byzantine style in 1900-1901.
What interests us is the small corridor leading into the crypt, which was decorated like a catacomb. At the entrance were placed lamps inspired by bronze models found in the catacombs, at the left side opens on the crypt through a Corinthian colonnade. The entire vault is decorated with those red and green lines that normally emphasise the architecture of the catacombs, and here they create a complex geometric decoration. There are also festoons and bands decorated with leaf motifs. In the centre of the vault, there is a cross within a red clypeus. In the back lunette, a peacock is painted in perfect early Christian style.