Architecture of Italy - Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture

Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture

Italy was widely affected by the Early Christian age, with Rome being the new seat of the pope. The Byzantines also came to Italy, creating several buildings, palaces and churches in their own style.

The Christian concept of a "Basilica" was invented in Rome. They were known for being long, rectangular buildings, which were built in an almost ancient Roman style, often rich in mosaics and decorations. The early Christians' art and architecture was also widely inspired by that of the pagan Romans; statues, mosaics and paintings decorated all their churches. Late-Christian frescos can be easily seen in some of the many catacombs in Rome.

Byzantine architecture was also widely diffused in Italy. When the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, the Byzantines were the leaders in the world regarding aspects of culture, arts, music, literature, fashion, science, technology, business and architecture too. The Byzantines, which technincally were the people of the Eastern Roman Empire, kept Roman principles of architecture and art alive, yet gave it a more Eastern twist, and were famous for their slightly flatter domes, and richer usage of gilded mosaics and icons rather than statues. Since the Byzantines resided in Sicily for some time, their architectural influence can still be seen today, for example, in the Cathedral of Cefalu, in Palermo or in Monreale, with their richly decorated churches. St Mark's Basilica in Venice is also an example of Byzantine architecture in Italy.