Khan a-Shawarda (the Merchants' Inn) was most probably built by Dahar al-0mer in the 18th century. It has a square courtyard with the remains of a watering trough for livestock in its center. During the British Mandate, openings were made in the khan's courtyard from the north and the south in order to facilitate traffic. It is believed to be the site of a Clarissan Nuns convent dating back to the Crusader Period. History has it that when the Moslems took over the city, the nuns deliberately mutilated themselves by cutting off their noses so as not to surrender to the conquerors (Mondril made reference to this in 1697).
References:The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.
The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.