The basilica of Santa Sabina dates from the fifth century, making it one of the oldest basilicas in Rome. Pope Honorius III donated the basilica to the Dominicans in 1220 in response to the newly recognized order’s need for a center of operations in Rome. Analysis of the architectural makeup of the buildings and written sources shows that the initial donation consisted only of the basilica, one dorm off the narthex, a second wing off the apse, and a baptistry original to the fifth century which is now lost. Soon afterward Honorius III donated Santa Sabina a permanent wall called a tramezzo was erected, splitting the basilica in half perpendicular to the nave. The priests and congregation used the half towards the apse while the friars used the half nearer the narthex for additional study and worship space. This physical seperation demonstrates that, though parish preaching would later become a part of their work, the friars were originally there only to study and prepare for itinerant preaching. Santa Sabina’s is the earliest known Dominican tramezzo and the practice soon spread throughout Dominican spaces in Europe. By the late 13th century the Dominicans’ complex at Santa Sabina had grown into a full cloister which can still be seen in a remodeled form at the western end of the park to the southwest of the basilica. The clergy’s side of the complex also expanded when, in 1285, the Savelli Pope Honorius IV built a family palace adjoining Santa Sabina. He lived there throughout his papacy and the public park to the northeast of the basilica still contains the original walls of his estate. Though the palace was eventually given to the friars and fell into disrepair, the Dominicans’ complex continued to grow into the active center you see today.
Lloyd, Joan Barclay. “Medieval Dominican Architecture at Santa Sabina in Rome, c. 1219–c. 1320.” Papers of the British School at Rome 72 (2004): 231–92.
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