Il ritorno dei papi da Avignone ed il rinnovato interesse alle antiche fabbriche

Abstract

The activity of Pope Boniface IX (1389-1404) re-established papal authority in Rome after the Avignon period and anticipated
some of the issues that would become pivotal during the fifteenth century. Particularly the reform of institutions and finances
which, also through the management of jubilees and indulgences, allowed the restoration of some of the main sacred buildings
and several important civil and military structures.
A number of documents placed in the Vatican Archives have made it possible to find, through the management of the Jubilee
“oblations” in which half of money collected were allocated for the restoration and maintenance of the basilicas, the impulse
given by Boniface IX to a conservative action to these monuments. For the late antique complex of S. Paolo Fuori le Mura the
attention was very relevant and articulated, with a substantial monetary contribution provided by the faithful.

Keywords : Ancient buildings, jubilees, indulgences, roman basilicas, conservation.