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

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.
The Basilica of Saint Praxedes (Basilica di Santa Prassede) is a hidden gem in Rome, known for its remarkable 9th-century Byzantine mosaics. Located near the larger St. Mary Major, the basilica was built to honor Saint Praxedes, a Christian martyr. Its richly decorated interior features stunning mosaics depicting biblical scenes, saints, and angels, particularly in the apse and the Chapel of St. Zeno, often referred to as the “Garden of Paradise.”
The Basilica of Saint Pudentiana (Basilica di Santa Pudenziana) is one of the oldest Christian churches in Rome, dating back to the 4th century. It is dedicated to Saint Pudentiana, traditionally believed to be the daughter of a Roman senator and an early Christian convert. The church is renowned for its stunning 5th-century mosaic in the apse, which is one of the oldest Christian mosaics in the city, depicting Christ enthroned with the Apostles.

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.