Cosmatesque Mosaics: A Path of Knowledge

1/2 DAY

As you are walking on Cosmatesque mosaics, the Christian spirituality will be revealed beneath your feet. In the 13th century, the Cosmati, a well known Roman family of artists, created beautiful marble masterpieces by mixing two mosaic techniques: opus sectile (cut work) and opus alexandrium (byzantine), formed of elaborate inlays of big circles and squares, and small triangles and rectangles of colored stones and glass mosaics.

The tour starts in the Basilica of St. John in Laterano. In this Papal Basilica you can walk on the beautiful cosmatesque floor in the nave and you can admire the famous cosmatesque twisted columns in the cloister. Afterwards, you will visit the Church of the four Crowned Saints: the floor of the nave is a typical example of the decorative cosmatesque pattern. Lastly, in the Basilica of St. Clemente the cosmatesque floor leads to the monumental apse mosaic with the Triumph of the Cross. A MUST is to explore the underground level containing the remains of a Roman house and a Mythra Temple. This special church is the most perfect example of the amazing ‘layering effect’ in Rome !!

PRICING

Pricing will be based on the number of participants, time of year and any substantial revisions made to the above itinerary. Itinerary and activities subject to change based on time of year and availability.