The Basilica di Aquileia is part of the Aquileia UNESCO World Heritage site. The oldest remains date back to the 4th century, while the current basilica was built in the 11th century and remodeled in the 13th century. The mosaic floor extends for over 760 sq.m. (around 8200 square foot) and it is the oldest Christian mosaic and largest in the western Christian world. The apsis is covered with wonderful frescoes, and the tribune was built around the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century. There arte two crypts in the basilica: - the "Cripta degli affreschi" (frescoes crypt), entirely frescoed (including columns) with stories from the life of Jesus and Mary, and figures of saints; - the "Cripta degli scavi" (excavation crypt), with remains from three distinct and overlapping eras - from the beginning of the Roman empire to the end of the 4th century. Along the route you can admire mosaics belonging to the remains of the early Christian basilica and previous Roman houses. The bell tower on the side of the church was built starting from the 11th century, and it took a few centuries to complete it.

Monumental early Christian basilica. Awesome 5th century mosaic floors. Very early frescoes in good condition. The 15th century wooden ceiling is spectacular. You see a lot of churches in Europe, but I will bet you haven't seem one like this.

No doubt that this is the piece de resistance of the wonderful Roman attractions in and around Aquileia. The current Basilica was built in the 11th century over the top of a 4th century church and then rebuilt in the 14th century following an earthquake in 1348. The facade is built in a Romanesque Gothic style but it is the large interior that held most interest for us. The interior has a central nave with two side aisles separated by two sets of ten arched columns. The ceiling is made of wood and dates from 1526. The Presbytery and main altar are elevated whilst the Apse was richly frescoed in the 11th century. There are two large chapels either side of the Apse that are also frescoed. One of these, St Peter's chapel, has frescoes that date from the 4th century. There is a large 9th century crypt under the Presbytery, the so called Crypt of the Frescoes, that depicts the origins of Christianity in Aquileia and date from the 12th century. Of most note though was the beautiful mosaics that covered the entire floor of the Basilica and date back to the original 4th century church. These mosaics were only initially uncovered in 1909 when the floor of the 11th century Basilica was excavated. More of the 4th century mosaic floor can be found in the Crypt of the Excavations which is accessed through a side entrance at the rear of the Basilica. In this crypt you can see several levels of floors and also the base of the Campanile which was erected over the top of the mosaics. We gained entry via the combined 48 hours FVG Card Aquileia which we obtained from the Tourist Information Office. The Basilica really is a must see.