Early Christian and Byzantine architecture Architecture of Italy

the lavish mosaics in interior of cathedral of monreale, sicily.

italy affected christian age, rome being new seat of pope. after justinian reconquest of italy, several buildings, palaces , churches built in roman-byzantine style.

the christian concept of basilica invented in rome. known being long, rectangular buildings, built in ancient roman style, rich in mosaics , decorations. christians art , architecture inspired of pagan romans; statues, mosaics , paintings decorated churches. late-christian frescos can seen in of many catacombs in rome.

byzantine architecture diffused in italy. when western roman empire fell in 476 ad, byzantines leaders in world regarding aspects of culture, arts, music, literature, fashion, science, technology, business , architecture. byzantines, technically people of eastern roman empire, kept roman principles of architecture , art alive, yet gave more eastern twist, , famous flatter domes, , richer usage of gilded mosaics , icons rather statues. since byzantines resided in sicily time, architectural influence can still seen today, example, in cathedral of cefalu, in palermo or in monreale, richly decorated churches. st mark s basilica in venice example of byzantine architecture in italy.