Byzantine

Although best known for the “Mouth of Truth” in its porch, Santa Maria in Cosmedin is one of the most interesting churches in Rome, with an atmosphere of antiquity and some important early medieval art.

Founded in 639 and rebuilt in 1008, Torcello Cathedral is the oldest church in the Venetian lagoon and the main reason for a visit to Torcello Island. Inside is an important collection of Byzantine mosaics.

A Byzantine wonder that looks more like Istanbul than Italy, the 11th-century Basilica di San Marco is covered in domes, lined with golden mosaics, and filled with ancient art treasures.

Now an isolated ruin, this 5th-century Byzantine church was dedicated to the famous St. Sergius, a Roman soldier martyred c.303. The church was a major pilgrimage site in the Byzantine era.

This 11th-century church (later a mosque and now a museum) contains one of the finest preserved galleries of Byzantine mosaics anywhere.

Built on the site of a miraculous August snowfall, this major basilica dates from the early 5th century. The huge church is lined with Byzantine mosaics and contains many important relics.

Also known as the Lateran Baptistery, this octagonal structure in Rome was built by Constantine in 315 and is the oldest baptistery in the world.

This major pilgrimage basilica features a columned portico, 6th-century mosaic, catacombs, and lovely 12th-century cloister. It is dedicated to Lawrence, who was martyred by roasting on a gridiron.

The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is said to be the first place of Christian worship in Rome, built where a fountain of oil sprung up on the day of Christ's birth. Inside are many excellent Byzantine mosaics.

A hidden gem near Santa Maria Maggiore, this 9th-century basilica has glorious Byzantine mosaics. Also here is a piece of the scourging column of Christ and other relics.

Built in 548, this octagonal brick church contains some of the most celebrated Byzantine mosaics in the West.