The Basilica of Saint Praxedes by Paola Gallio is a richly illustrated scholarly guide to one of Rome's most extraordinary early medieval churches, home to some of the finest Byzantine mosaics to survive anywhere in the Western world. The basilica's 9th-century mosaics — glittering with gold, lapis blue and terracotta — were commissioned by Pope Paschal I and remain almost perfectly preserved, making this small church on the Esquiline Hill a destination of pilgrimage for art historians and lovers of sacred art alike.
Published in English by Edizione Avril in Rome, this compact 64-page paperback packs a serious amount of content into its pages: full-colour photographic plates of the apse, triumphal arch and the celebrated Chapel of San Zeno, alongside architectural diagrams, floor plans and a scholarly narrative tracing the site from its early Christian origins through to its present-day significance.
This book is ideal for art historians, students of medieval and Byzantine art, Rome travellers who have visited or plan to visit the basilica, and collectors building a library of Italian church history and early Christian iconography.
| Title | The Basilica of Saint Praxedes |
| Author | Paola Gallio |
| Publisher | Edizione Avril |
| Place of Publication | Rome, Italy |
| Language | English |
| Format | Paperback / Softcover |
| Pages | 64 |
| Illustrated | Yes — full-colour photographs throughout |
| Era / Period | 2000s |
| Subject | Byzantine Mosaics, Early Christian Art, Roman Architecture, Sacred Art |
| Genre | Art History, Architecture, Religion |
| Suitable For | Art historians, Rome visitors, students, collectors |
| Country of Manufacture | Italy |
| Condition | Used — Very Good |
A tidy, highly presentable copy in used very good condition. The softcover is clean with only very light shelf wear and minimal scuffing to the edges — nothing that detracts from its appearance. Pages are bright white throughout with no writing, annotations, foxing or creasing noted. The spine is straight and the binding is completely secure. This copy is ready to read, reference, gift or add to a collection without hesitation.
Q: Is this book written in English throughout?
A: Yes, the entire text is in English. It was specifically produced for an international English-speaking readership and covers the basilica's history, art and architecture in clear, accessible language.
Q: Are the mosaic photographs reproduced in full colour?
A: Yes. The book is illustrated throughout with full-colour photographs. The cover itself — showing the iconic Byzantine face of a saint rendered in glittering mosaic tile — gives a strong indication of the quality of imagery inside.
Q: Is this an official publication sold at the basilica?
A: Published by Edizione Avril of Rome, this is a professionally produced scholarly guide of the kind sold at major Roman churches and museum bookshops. It is an original publication, not a reproduction or facsimile.
Q: Are there any marks, stamps or inscriptions inside?
A: None whatsoever. The pages are clean and unmarked throughout — no stamps, handwriting, stickers or previous owner inscriptions have been noted anywhere in the book.
Q: Can I see more detail of the interior pages or the spine?
A: Absolutely — please message us and we will be happy to send additional photographs, including close-ups of the interior pages, the spine, and any area of the covers you would like to inspect before purchasing.
Interested in this title or would like a closer look before you buy?
Message us anytime. We are happy to provide additional photographs — including the close-up of the spine, the back cover, or any interior spread — and to answer any questions about this item promptly.
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