Wednesday's Words - Rome

San Giorgio al Velabro, Saint George in Velabro. Velabro, meaning marshy land, is the name given to the area in Rome near Palatine Hill where the Tiber makes a sharp turn. The area would often flood creating a swampy marsh. The Velabro holds an important place in the history of Rome as the ancient legend tells us that it was nearby that Romulus killed his brother Remus before founding the city. It was here too that they drifted ashore before being taken and nursed by the she wolf.
The foundation of this church dates back to the seventh century. There’s even mention of an earlier chapel near this spot in the San Callixtus Catacombs dating back to 482. The church was dedicated to Saint Sebastian up until the eight century. As this area was heavily populated by Greeks, the pope at the time, also a Greek, moved the relics of Saint George, yet another Greek, and dedicated the church to him.