What to See at the Basilica di Aquileia
The mosaic floor, the crypts, the Domus di Tito Macro and the Baptistery — a concierge guide to the complex's highlights.
A visit to Aquileia's Basilica complex covers four connected elements — the mosaic-floored Basilica itself, the crypts beneath it, the Baptistery and episcopal complex, and the separately excavated Domus di Tito Macro. This guide walks through what to look for at each.
The mosaic floor of the nave
The mosaic pavement laid in the early 4th century covers the nave in geometric borders and figurative panels — animal and marine scenes, portrait medallions and a large image of the Good Shepherd — and is best appreciated by walking its full length slowly rather than viewing it from a single spot.
The frescoed crypt and excavation crypt
Beneath the presbytery, the frescoed crypt carries later medieval paintings recounting the origins of Christianity at Aquileia, while the excavation crypt drops below floor level to expose earlier structural phases and further mosaic fragments from the site's Theodorian-era complex.
Baptistery, Südhalle and the episcopal complex
A short walk from the Basilica, the Baptistery and its adjoining Südhalle preserve further early mosaic work, while the Domus–Palazzo Episcopale traces the residence of Aquileia's bishops through the site's long ecclesiastical history.
The Domus di Tito Macro
A short walk from the Basilica, the Domus di Tito Macro is a large excavated Roman town house with its own mosaic floors — one of the larger private residences uncovered anywhere in northern Italy, and a domestic counterpoint to the Basilica's ecclesiastical grandeur.
Frequently asked
What is the main thing to see at the Basilica di Aquileia?
The 4th-century mosaic floor covering the nave — one of the most extensive early-Christian mosaic pavements to survive from antiquity, best seen by walking its full length slowly.
What is in the crypts?
The frescoed crypt holds later medieval paintings on the origins of Christianity at Aquileia; the excavation crypt exposes earlier structural phases and mosaic fragments below the current floor level.
Is the Domus di Tito Macro worth visiting?
Yes — it's a large excavated Roman house with its own mosaic floors, one of the larger private residences found in northern Italy, and it's included on the same ticket as the Basilica.
What is the Baptistery and Südhalle?
Buildings adjoining the Basilica that preserve further early mosaic work and were used for baptism and related functions in the early Christian community at Aquileia.
How much time should I allow to see everything?
Around ninety minutes to two hours for the Basilica, crypts and Domus di Tito Macro; add time if the Baptistery and episcopal complex are a particular interest.