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Basilica of Saint Praxedes: A Hidden Gem of Early Christian Art

Discover stunning Byzantine mosaics and early Christian history at the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, a hidden gem near Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

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Tucked away near Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of Saint Praxedes is a captivating minor basilica famed for its stunning 9th-century Byzantine mosaics. Built to house the relics of Saint Praxedes and Saint Pudentiana, it offers a serene escape into early Christian art and history.

A brief summary to Basilica of Saint Praxedes

  • Monday 10 am-12 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-12 pm
  • Friday 10 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the serene atmosphere.
  • Bring small change to illuminate the mosaics in the Chapel of St. Zeno for a more immersive experience.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for a comprehensive tour of Rome's religious art.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, walk south on Via Liberiana, then turn right onto Via di Santa Prassede. The Basilica of Saint Praxedes will be on your left, a short walk of approximately 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro Line A or B to Termini Station. From Termini, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the basilica. Alternatively, take bus lines that stop near Santa Maria Maggiore (e.g., 714, 792) and walk from there. A single-ride ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Termini Station, a taxi ride to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes is a short trip. Expect to pay between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares in Rome start at €3.50 during the day.

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Discover more about Basilica of Saint Praxedes

The Basilica of Saint Praxedes, or Santa Prassede, is a hidden treasure located a short distance from the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This early medieval titular church, dating back to the 9th century, is a minor basilica that holds significant historical and artistic value. The basilica was commissioned by Pope Hadrian I around 780 to enshrine the relics of Saint Praxedes and Saint Pudentiana, daughters of Saint Pudens, who were known for comforting persecuted Christians. In the 9th century, Pope Paschal I enlarged and decorated the basilica, marking it with the celebrated mosaics of the Carolingian Renaissance. These mosaics, crafted in the Byzantine style, are among the most exquisite in Rome. The basilica's layout mirrors that of the original St. Peter's Basilica, featuring a nave, two aisles, a transept, and an apse. Inside, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics in the apse, depicting Christ with Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Praxedes, and Saint Pudentiana. The Chapel of St. Zeno, built by Pope Paschal I as a mausoleum for his mother Theodora, is adorned entirely with mosaics, a unique feature in Rome. A marble disc in the central nave marks the spot where Saint Praxedes is said to have buried the remains and blood of Christian martyrs. The basilica also houses a fragment of the column upon which Jesus was flogged. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, and Sunday from 10:00 to 11:00 and 16:00 to 18:00. The Basilica of Saint Praxedes offers a unique glimpse into Rome's past, with its stunning mosaics and historic architecture.

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