basilica di santa maria assunta

This church preserves the oldest surviving Christian church decorations in the world, amazing mosaic floors that are a time capsule from the late Roman empire. Once the center of a town of 100,000+ in the western Roman empire, Aquileia is now more a charming village. Roman ruins abound. But in the church mosaics you see the portraits of people from 1600 years ago who walked the same floor as you -- portraits of the patrons of the church -- scenes from the fishing culture supported by this town by the sea, and the transition from pagan iconography into its adaptation by the early Christians -- such as the use of peacocks to represent eternal life. Far from the madding crowds of Venice, this quiet place helps you understand the roots of the magnificent mosaics in San Marco.

Beautiful Basilica with such well preserved mosaics that have been there for centuries. Amazing work that goes to details and all that is open to view and free. The scenes from sea life or wild life are just amazing! The only thing is, entering the crypts is not free and while visiting there wasn't anyone there to tell us that, so some entered and when going out they told us that we have to pay 3 EUR per person. Not a nice thing to do, but maybe it was jus a coincidence.

Although the brochure is a little hard to follow, touring the cathedral is a must-do for anyone interested in early Christian art. The mosaic floor is filled with wonderful images and both the crypt with frescoes and the excavation crypt are fascinating.

The church is stunning. Go inside and see the Mosaics and the crypt. Well worth a detour to see. Climb the tower nearby for a great view of the countryside. The town is a great stop away from the bustle of venice.

The church has an enormous intact mosaic from the roman period, it is what makes this a world Heritage site and it is worth the visit. There is no cost to go into the Church and see the Mosaic, but here is a nominal charge 3 Euros to see the Crypt. The crypt was great but once you have seen the mosaic in the Church everything pales in comparison, go to the crypt and other ancillary exhibits before you see the church.

Go inside and have a look! There is a beautiful mosaic on the floor and you can see it all, because you walk on the transparent flexi bridge. Also nice outside and the whole town is remarcable.

Huge mosaics, breath taking in fact. Everywhere was so clean and well looked after. Lovely peaceful location which wasn't overcrowded. Disappointed we were there during the hour the tower was closed but it didn't dampen our visit.

The mosaics in this church are truly amazing! It is the perfect blend of romanic and byzantine art and architecture, definetely stop by this small town to visit! The ruins were cool as well, but not as astonishing as the basilica!

The Maria Assunta Cathedral has more than 750 square meters ( 8075 sq feet) of mosaics the largest and old paleocristian mosaic floor http://aquileia.net/en/la-basilica-di-aquileia/

Went to the basilica after walking through the ruins in the field across the street. I was blown away by the mosaic inside the cathedral and the frescoes in the crypts were amazing. The highlight of the church is downstairs under the main church you can see the mosaics and it is so amazing. Since the last time I was there a summer ago- they now have little tour papers for each section so you know what part of if you are looking at. That's definitely a BIG plus! It helps a lot as some areas aren't as restored as others. Great day trip!

The 4th-century basilica was built and rebuilt a few times, so the present version is a combination of the original romanesque architecture and late gothic. The interior is huge, and the entire floor is an elaborate mosaic design from the earliest years. The brochure says it is the 3rd largest interior mosaic in existence, and I can well believe it. Visiting in late afternoon in the fall allow for sunlight to illuminate the nave and the frescoes about it. Truly gorgeous.

There are mosaics and then there are mosaics! The floor on this place is not to be missed. It is the largest, most exquisite mosaic floor I've ever seen. Just phenomenal! A real gem.

The basilica contains what may be the largest mosaic floor in the world, beautifully presented and preserved, as well as extensive excavations at the site of the old Baptistery and the Roman remains nearby. This is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Italy.

The overwhelming past history is present with the ruins of this important roman hub city.Its layout, the former size and the potential for discovery are yet to be fully realized. The Basilica`s floor with one of the largest and valued mosaic works in Europe is compelling in its unique depiction of Christianity. Other important references are displayed inside a museum as we as the area around the fluvial roman port, the amphitheater and archeological digs extending outside the city perimeter. Unknown are the artifacts yet to be discovered because the present Aquileia is sitting atop the ancient metropolis.

What a wonderful gem and off the beaten path. Definitely the high light of our trip to Italy. While seeing the larger churches in Venice, this by far was the most fascinating part of the trip. Founded in 100 AD, and basilica built in 300's, and rebuilt in the 1100's this is definitely a highlight for a lover of mosaic tile work. While the seeing the church is free, it is worth the 2 Euro per person to see the lower crypt and original floor under the church. Original mosaic from the 300's is still visible in the section to the right of the church, while church relics are located in the tour on the back crypt. Small price for a chance to walk in history. Church also has some nice memorial statues located in the graveyard in the back of the church.