Tour of Early Christian Mosaics in Roman Churches
Discover the art treasures of St. Mary Major, St. Praxedes and St. Pudentiana
Tour Features
Local Guide
Certified Official Guide
Tour Languages
English, Italian
Duration
2 hours
Tour Size Options
Private
Itinerary
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St. Mary Major (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore) is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and one of the city’s most important churches. Built in the 5th century, it is renowned for its stunning mosaics, which depict scenes from the Old Testament, and its intricate coffered ceiling gilded with gold brought from the New World.
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Tour Details
Full Description
On this tour, you will journey back to the late 4th century, a pivotal time when Christians in Rome gained more freedom, rights, and influence. With this newfound liberty, they built some of the first churches and adorned them with magnificent works of art.
You will visit three remarkable churches showcasing some of the oldest and most significant mosaics in early Christian history. At St. Mary Major, you will admire the 5th-century mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, along with the renowned 13th-century Coronation of the Virgin in the apse.
In the Basilicas of St. Praxedes and St. Pudentiana, you will marvel at the exquisite mosaics, including the Chapel of St. Zeno and those commissioned by Pope Paschal I, among other celebrated masterpieces.
This tour will transport you to the dawn of Christian art in the Eternal City, offering a deep and enriching look at its early religious heritage.
What is Included
- Included:
- Included: Specialized licensed guide
Meeting Point
The tour starts at P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM. View on Google Maps
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