The Best Mosaics in Rome

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover a new side of the Eternal City seeking out its many mosaics
• Visit the basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede and Santa Costanza
• Get lo learn everything about mosaics
• Immerse yourself in Roman history and legends and in the Christian and Byzantine mosaic masterpieces
• A private and dedicated guide will accompany you in this experience

FULL DESCRIPTION

Mosaics were the most popular and beautiful ancient forms of art. For thousands of years, ancient civilizations from the Mesopotamians to the Greeks and Romans used to decorate public places with multi-material mosaics. Mosaics in the city of Rome originally appeared only in rich private residences. From the 1st century AD, Roman mosaics were employed to decorate public spaces. The scenes they depicted varied, but their beauty always remained the same. Mosaic artists introduced gold to their creations during the Christian and Byzantine period. This new feature furnished visually breathtaking mosaic artworks, many of which have lived for centuries within the holy walls of the Eternal City. Discover the 13th century mosaics of Santa Maria Maggiore and get to look at Jacopo Torriti’s stunning art, then admire the mosaics of the Basilica of Santa Prassede, one of the least known yet more impressive churches in the city. It was modelled on Constantinople’s Basilica of Saint Peter’s. The entire church had a decorative programme consisting of mosaics. End your private tour in Santa Costanza, the basilica in which the first mosaics appeared!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Entrance to Santa Costanza, Santa Prassede and Santa Maria Maggiore
• Tour with private guide

NOT INCLUDED

Pickup and drop off

WHAT TO BRING

Passport or ID card

NOT ALLOWED

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Luggage or large bags
• Walking frames
• Shorts or short skirts
• Sleeveless shirts

WHAT TO KNOW

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.