The story behind the art, and where to see it
Period 11 · c. 200-600 CE

Early Christian Art

Christian art began underground, in the catacombs of Rome, and by the fifth century filled the mosaics of Ravenna. Start here for the first images of Christ and Mary and for the Western capital that held the empire's last splendour.

A blue mosaic vault with gold stars and a green band with a cross
Ravenna, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, vault with stars, second quarter of the 5th century. Glass mosaic. Ravenna, Italy. A dark blue sky of gold stars around a cross.Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Early Christian Art

Rome’s Catacombs Hold Some of the Oldest Christian Paintings

They were cemeteries, not hiding places, and their paintings borrow Roman styles to carry Christian meanings.Start here4 min readEarly Christian Art

Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Its Burning Bush and Icons

Founded under Justinian in the 6th century at the foot of Mount Sinai, the monastery keeps some of the oldest surviving icons.5 min readEarly Christian Art

Basilica Cistern: Its History, Columns and Medusa Heads

Justinian's engineers built the Basilica Cistern in 532 to store water for the palace, with 336 columns under brick vaults.3 min readEarly Christian Art

The Holy Sepulchre, From Constantine to the Crusaders

Built by Constantine in the 4th century, the church over the traditional tomb of Jesus was rebuilt by the Crusaders in 1149.4 min read
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Byzantine Art

Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Its Burning Bush and Icons

Founded under Justinian in the 6th century at the foot of Mount Sinai, the monastery keeps some of the oldest surviving icons.5 min read
Art Travel

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Rome

What Art Is Worth Seeing in Rome? An Honest Shortlist

The Vatican, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Borghese and Caravaggio for free: Rome's art essentials, and what can wait.City guide10 min read