Aquileia

Since December 1998 UNESCO World Heritage, along with the entire archaeological area, the Basilica Patriarcale of Aquileia has been the most representative monument of the town and above all, the most imposing and impressive historical testimony regarding centrale European Christianity. Its story goes back to the beginning of the IV century when the first Christian building with parallel halls was built according to Bishop Theodore’s wills. It was then enhanced and modified throughout the following centuries according to the styles of the moment until reaching the actual structure: an amazing fusion of art history in just one building, a unique treasure of culture, beauty and of course spirituality.

The interior of the Basilica offers a great look at the biggest Earlychristian mosaic, probably the most ancient Christian church of the world. A single whole surface of 760 sqm where one can find several patterns and meaningful images: plants, fish, birds, animals and human faces. It’s like a “book”, represented on the floor with thousend of little colorful tiles that allow us into a story through many symbols, a very first message of Universal Salvation. Scenes like the Rooster and the Turtle, the Good Sheperd, the Fishing Scene and Jona’s cycle used to “accompany” the believers of the IV century throughout the comprehension of this new religion that was starting to spread more and more.