The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, is one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Europe. It is particularly well-known for the range of artful mosaics lining its walls and floor.

Where is the apse mosaic found?

The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, is one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art and architecture in Europe. It is particularly well-known for the range of artful mosaics lining its walls and floor.

What is the significance of the Lateran church in Rome?

The Archbasilica of St John Lateran is the cathedral church in the city of Rome, Italy. It is the oldest and highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, giving it the unique title of ‘Archbasilica.

What are the statues on top of St John Lateran?

John Lateran (Rome). On the roofline, note the statues of the Doctors of the Church: Saint Ambrose, Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Pope Gregory I who were the original Doctors of the Church in 1298.

Who created the apse mosaic?

It was built by the cardinal and priest of San Clemente, Anastasius, who is documented between 1102 and 1125, and it rises above its predecessors’s centre and left side aisles. The structure was completed and consecrated around 1118-19. The mosaic decoration of the apse is generally dated to this time.

What is apse mosaic?

Apse mosaics are a form of visual communication employed by popes throughout the Middle Ages, from the sixth through to the thirteenth centuries. This essay examines the nature of this visual mode and the means by which viewers could understand it.

Where is the apse located in the church?

Commonly, the apse of a church, cathedral or basilica is the semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir or sanctuary, or sometimes at the end of an aisle. In church architecture it is generally the name given to where the altar is placed or where the clergy are seated.

Is St John Lateran in the Vatican?

The archbasilica lies outside of Vatican City proper, which is located approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the northwest. Nevertheless, as properties of the Holy See, the archbasilica and its adjoining edifices enjoy an extraterritorial status from Italy, pursuant to the terms of the Lateran Treaty of 1929.

Why was St John Lateran built?

It was given to the Bishop of Rome in order to build the first Roman basilica. Throughout the centuries, St John Lateran has survived several fires and an earthquake in 897. Nevertheless, it still maintains its first form even though it has been reconstructed on several occasions.

How tall are the statues in St John Lateran?

The interior of Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran was extensively renovated by Francesco Borromini for the Jubilee of 1650. Part of his design included enormous niches in the nave. They remained empty until 1718 when filled with the Twelve Apostles. Each statue is 15 feet tall.

What is an apse mosaic made of?

The mosaic at San Clemente Church in in Rome is located in the apse of the church. It is a mosaic consisting of mainly green and gold tesserae placed irregularly to intensify the shining of the gold pieces. It was made in the twelfth century and is similar to the christian mosaic style.

What is an apse Hagia Sophia?

Its name means holy wisdom and it was initially built in form of a cathedral back in the 6th century. It is made up two floors with are positioned on a massive nave with a huge dome shaped ceiling. The apse is so huge with a diameter of 108 feet and it is about 55 meters from the ground.

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