Project Plan & Execution

The Basilica of San Clemente has been cared for and maintained by its owners and stewards, the Dominican Order, for the past three centuries.
In 1667, Pope Urban VIII gave the Order refuge at the Basilica.
The Irish Dominican Province took possession in 1677 and has maintained a residence for priests there ever since. Knowing that the Basilica is in need of a major restoration and unable to rely on Vatican funding, the Irish Dominicans have turned to an international team of experts for project oversight and fundraising.
Responsibility for the project’s funding, governance, compliance, and legal oversight lie with the Hortus Foundation, a New York-based 501(c)3 that oversees Catholic initiatives dedicated to promoting Faith, Truth and Beauty.
Hortus is represented by Alessandro Crocco and Colin Howell who have 30 years of combined experience living and working in Italy.
They are equipped with extensive local expertise and longstanding professional collaborative relationships in Rome.
As the global leader in historic, cultural, and artistic patrimony, Italy boasts the highest caliber of experienced professionals in the historic, artistic, and archeological disciplines of restoration, conservation, and preservation.
Drawing on this expertise guarantees both worldclass talent and a unique knowledge of how to navigate the most highly regulated conservation and preservation jurisdiction in the world.
The project’s architect, Romano Cerro, is a native of Rome and a leading expert with over 15 years of experience working in the Eternal City.
The project team also boasts one of the world’s most prolific restoration and conservation experts, Francesca Matera, whose extensive international experience centers on Rome.