E04768: Paulinus of Nola, writing in Latin between 395 and 408, in Spain and later Nola, southern Italy, in his fourteen poems (the Natalicia) in honour of *Felix (priest and confessor of Nola, S00000), describes the building work undertaken at Felix’s tomb in Nola/Cimitile under Paulinus’ supervision. Paulinus also refers to the relics of several other apostolic saints and martyrs housed in the basilica complex at Nola.

Paulinus of Nola, Natalicia

Summary of the information in the Natalicia about cult buildings at Nola.


Natalicium 6, verses 175-180 [AD 400]
Paulinus states that Felix's tomb is surrounded by five basilicas.

Natalicium 9, verses 360–595 [403]
Paulinus provides an extended account of the basilica complex at Nola/Cimitile. He draws attention to improvements he has made: he had the outer walls repainted, he replaced the roof of the church and he replaced a run-down garden with a stylish forecourt. From this forecourt, devotees can see the tomb of the martyr. In the church itself, he added marble facings, wooden panels – which look like ivory – and lamps on brass chains.

Around the outer courtyard, rooms in which pilgrims can stay are on the first floor. Resting in altars nearby are the relics of several saints, including *Andrew (the Apostle, S00288), *John (the Apostle and Evangelist, S00042), *Thomas (the Apostle, S00199) and *Luke (the Evangelist, S00442), *Agricola and Vitalis (master and slave, martyrs of Bologna, S00310), *Proculus (martyr of Bologna, S00448), *Euphemia (martyr of Chalcedon, S00017) and *Nazarius (martyr of Milan, S00281).

Throughout the complex are numerous fountains and plentiful water flows forth from them. The churches of this complex are connected by passageways and archways, which allow light to pass through but retain the privacy of the churches.

The walls of the church are adorned with several paintings which depict biblical scenes. Paulinus notes that images depicting figures are unusual, but justifies this by drawing attention to the way they provide Christian education for the rustics (agrestes). The pictures also distract the rustics from getting drunk.

Natalicium 10, verses 1–59; 180–325 [406]
Paulinus describes the forecourt of the basilica complex. This courtyard is surrounded on one side by rooms for pilgrims, and on the other by churches. Images of holy men and women and biblical figures can be found on the walls of the cloisters. This is the same courtyard, which houses shrines dedicated to martyrs and apostles, which is described in Nat. 9.

In the inner courtyard which has a roof, white columns and a fountain protected by a structure of bronze latticework, several smaller fountains surround a large one in the middle. Paulinus refers to this courtyard as the 'heart' (gremium) of the basilica complex.

Paulinus then describes a chapel which sits in a church. This chapel has three parallel recesses and a ‘star-spangled dome’ (stellatus tholus), Paulinus states that it has been dedicated to the purifying font and the eucharist. In addition to this improvement, two basilicas dedicated to Felix have been repainted. The value of renovating these buildings is then discussed at length.

Natalicium 11, verses 395-424; 468-484; 604-631 [407]
Paulinus narrates how a thief stole treasures from the church, only for them to be miraculously returned. In this account, numerous details about the buildings at Nola are provided. The highly decorated lamps which adorn the interior of Felix’s shrine are described. After committing his crime, the thief hid amongst the tombs which were set along the side of the larger buildings of the basilica complex. A detailed description of the golden cross, which was placed in Felix’s shrine and which was stolen by the thief, is provided.

Summary: Frances Trzeciak.