🕰️ Historical Overview
Origin: Built as early as 313 AD following the Edict of Milan, which ended the persecution of Christians.
Bishop Theodore: Initiated the construction of a basilica with the famous mosaic floor around 300 AD – financed by parish donations.
Patriarch Poppo: Rebuilt in the 11th century (1021–1031) based on the model of St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim – a rare transfer of North German architecture to Friuli.
🏛️ Architecture & Furnishings
Style: Romanesque-Gothic with a length of 65.5 meters, a width of 30 meters, and a height of 23 meters.
Porch: From the 9th century, once connected to the early Christian baptistery.
Campanile: Over 70 meters high, partly built from stones from the Roman amphitheater.
Interior: Three naves, wooden coffered ceiling from 1526, frescoes from several eras.
🖼️ Mosaics & Crypts
Theodoric Mosaics: Largest early Christian mosaic in Europe (approx. 750m²) – with scenes from the life of Christ, symbolic animals, and allegorical depictions.
Crypts:
Under the apse: Relics and frescoes.
To the left of the main portal: Archaeological excavations and Roman foundations.
🧭 Experience Value
UNESCO World Heritage: Since 1998, expanded in 2017 and 2018.
Domus & Bishop's Palace: Next to the basilica – with Roman mosaics, apse hall, and late antique walls.
Organ: Donated by Emperor Franz Joseph I for the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne – made in Vienna