Beginning in the first half of the fourth century, following the establishment of Christianity in Rome, mosaic art became the chief decoration of all religious edifices.
Only a few traces have survived from the early mosaics done in Christian edifices during the fourth century. One of these works is the mosaic found inside the church of Santa Pudenzia circa 402 AD.
In the following century, the style of the mosaics used in churches changed from a realistic depiction of people, animals, and things to a stiffer, chillier representation. Closer to the Byzantine artistic forms which had reached Rome by then, this new style would influence the pictorial language used in mosaics for centuries to come. The Byzantine influence is visible in the churches of SS Cosmo e Damiano, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede, and San Clemente.

Our expert guide will take you to visit, the churches mentioned above as well as San Giovanni, Scala Santa, and Santa Pudenziana.