Italy: Aquileia – Patriarchal Basilica

This UNESCO-listed church in the town of Aquileia in the southern part of Udine province in Italy dates back to 313 AD and was the first Christian basilica built in Italy (actually built over the Roman genome ruins). In the 11th century, the basilica was reconstructed and greatly expanded including the 73m tall bell tower built from the rocks dismantled from the. Early ancient Roman amphitheater. The bell tower was inspired by the Lighthouse of Alexandria. While it is impressive from the outside, it’s the inside that totally blows your mind – mosaic! Covering 760 sq m, the 4th-century mosaic floor is the largest early Christian mosaic in the Western world! If mosaics wasn’t enough, there are also Byzantine frescoes from 11th century covering the apse. Not enough? There is also a crypt underneath the basilica where excavations uncovered extensive of Roman mosaics. Layers and layers of history.