The Patriarchal Basilica Aquileia
Discover the Basilica of Aquileia: A Journey Through Time!
The Basilica of Aquileia is a stunning architectural marvel that has captivated visitors for centuries. This magnificent church, as it stands today, is largely the result of the visionary architectural efforts of Bishop Poppo (1019-1042), who consecrated it in 1031. However, the roots of this historic site stretch back to the early 4th century. By the end of the 4th century, under the guidance of Bishop Chromatius, the Basilica expanded to its current impressive dimensions, with the exception of the transept and apse, which house an underground crypt. This blend of ancient origins and medieval enhancements makes the Basilica of Aquileia a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.
The Basilica of Aquileia underwent a significant transformation in the early 9th century under Patriarch Maxentius. He added a two-story porch to connect the basilica with the Pagans’ Church, along with extending the transept and apse.
In the 11th century, Bishop Poppo spearheaded a major reorganization, refurbishing the façade with a central mullioned window and adorning the apse with frescoes. He also enhanced the basilica with new capitals for the two sets of 10 columns and erected a towering 73-meter campanile.
Following an earthquake in 1348, further restoration efforts were undertaken. In 1909, excavations revealed a stunning mosaic floor from the era of Emperor Constantine, located about one meter below the sanctuary floor from Poppo’s time.
This blend of historical layers makes the Basilica of Aquileia a fascinating destination for those interested in history and architecture.
What can you visit here?
It was filmed about the basilica
Information from history
HISTORY OF THE BASILICA
Step back in time and explore the rich history of our stunning basilica, originally dating back to the fourth century. The current structure, built in the eleventh century and partially rebuilt in the thirteenth century, stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution. Located on the picturesque Via Sacra, the basilica offers breathtaking views of the Piazza del Capitolo. Don’t miss the chance to admire the adjacent campanile and baptistery, which together create a captivating historical ensemble.
The Patriarchal Basilica Aquileia
The Basilica of Aquileia, dedicated to the Virgin and to Saints Hermacoras and Fortunatus, has an architectural history whose roots go back to the years immediately following 313 A.D. when, thanks to the Edict of Milan that put an end to religious persecutions, the Christian community was able to freely build its first building of worship. In the centuries that followed, after the destruction of this first church, the seat of the bishopric, the people of Aquileia rebuilt it four times, superimposing the new constructions on the remains of the previous ones (phases: Theodorian, first half of the 4th century; Post-Theodorian North, mid-4th century; Post-Theodorian South, end of the 4th century or after the mid-5th century; Massentian, 9th century; Popponian, first half of the 11th century; Marquardian intervention to reconstruct the roof, from the ogival arches to the roof, 14th-15th century).
Today’s Basilica is in Romanesque-Gothic form. The interior, majestic and solemn, is permeated with an intense spirituality, refined over the centuries. The floor consists of a marvellous polychrome mosaic from the 4th century, brought to light by archaeologists in the years 1909-12; the elegant wooden ceiling in the shape of a ship’s keel dates back to the 15th century; between the floor and the ceiling, therefore, more than a thousand years of art-historical events are enclosed. The floor is the largest early Christian mosaic in the western world (a good 760 m²): it alone would be enough to repay the pilgrim for the long journey to Ecclesia Mater, a World Heritage Site. The mosaic was partially ruined by the installation of the columns in the right aisle; this occurred at the end of the 4th century or, according to a different opinion, after the middle of the 5th century. The foundations of the columns are visible because in the early 20th century the medieval red and white tiled floor, dating back to the time of Patriarch Popone or Poppo (1031), was removed in order to expose the precious early Christian mosaic.
From the entrance we can observe the mosaic floor. The mosaic covered the South Hall of Theodore, one of the three main rooms that made up the bishop’s seat erected at the time of Emperor Constantine. Theodore, in fact, recalled in the epigraph inserted in the floor (in the Fishing Scene), had built a cultic complex perfectly suited to the liturgical needs of the time. Having purchased the urban area where some warehouses stood, he demolished them and erected a U-shaped complex: two parallel rectangular halls (South Hall and North Hall), connected by a transversal, also rectangular; between the two parallel halls, to the east of the transversal, were the baptistery, service rooms and the entrance to the whole complex. Of the complex, the following can be seen in the Basilica: the mosaic of the South Hall, part of the earthenware of the Transversal Hall, part of the mosaic of the entrance corridor; in the Crypt of the Excavations, the remains of the mosaics of the North Hall, the rest of the earthenware of the connecting hall and the floors of the service rooms; the remains of the primitive baptistery with an elliptical basin are not visible. According to some scholars, the South Hall served as a catechumen, while the North Hall was reserved for the celebration of Mass; others believe the opposite. The connecting hall served both as a changing room (before Baptism by immersion) and for the conferring of the sacrament of Confirmation.
Where to get tourist information?
Contacts
Basilica di Aquileia
Piazza Chapter 1 - 33051 Aquileia (UD), Italy
tel. +39 0431 91067
e-mail: amministrazione@basilicadiaquileia.it
web: www.basilicadiaquileia.it
Fondazione Aquileia
Via Patriarca Popone 7, 33051 Aquileia (UD), Italy
tel. +39 0431 917619
e-mail: protocollo@fondazioneaquileia.it
web: www.fondazioneaquileia.it
Infopoint PromoTurismoFVG - Aquileia
Via Iulia Augusta 11, 33051 AQUILEIA (UD)
tel. +39 0431 919491
e-mail: info.aquileia@promoturismo.fvg.it
web: www.turismofvg.it
How to get to basilica?
BY CAR
On A4 motorway, exit at Palmanova. Follow the directions to Aquileia-Grado on SR 352 road. As you reach Aquileia along Via Julia Augusta street, follow the silhouette of the Campanile to reach Piazza Capitolo, 1.
BY TRAIN
Railway Station: Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado. Then, take public transport (Saf or Apt buses) to reach Aquileia. Get off at “Aquileia Centro”, then follow the silhouette of the Campanile to reach the Basilica (5 minutes’ walk).
Tips for accommodation?
- Hotel Patriarchi, Via G.Augusta, 12 - 33051 Aquileia (Ud) - Italy
- Casa Magnolia, 3 Via XXIV Maggio, Aquileia, Italy
- Albergo Aquila Nera, Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5, 33051 Aquileia UD, Italy
- Ostello Domus Augusta, Via Roma, 25, 33051 Aquileia UD, Italy,