Located in Grado within the northeast of Italy is one of the oldest buildings of Christian worship found along the North Adriatic sea, the Basilica of Santa Marie della Grazie (Our Lady of Grace). The basilica was built in the sixth century, commissioned by one Patriarch Elias (patriarch of the former patriarchate of Aquileia) and set the foundations of an even earlier Christian basilica. The basilica follows a classic Roman basilica and paleochristian basilica ordering with Eastern Roman influences. Namely, it has a triple nave, a semi-circular apse with a synthronon for the clergy found within, a balustrade to separate the presbytery from the nave and an open-trussed timber roof.
To either side of the apse are two other rooms: the prothesis and the diaconicon -- the latter of which most closely corresponds to what we would call the sacristy, while the former is a space we typically associate today wth the Christian East, being a place where the Eucharistic offerings would be prepared during the liturgical rites.
The basilica was restored in 1924, removing some of the additions of later centuries, so what we are left with today is purely Romanesque structure. It is worth noting that at one time the main altar of the basilica was covered by a ciborium magnum -- a common feature in paleochristian and early medieval Christian architecture. Sadly this is no longer in place today having fallen into ruin at some point, but we do still find its remnants displayed along the wall of the basilica.
Turning then to the altar proper, we can see it here, set on top of a beautiful opus sectile pavement which adorns the entire presbytery. These features are said to have been preserved from the earlier, fifth century basilica.
Located directly behind the altar is the synthronon where the clergy would have sat during the course of the liturgy.
A sixth century balustrade separates the presbytery from the nave -- another common feature of the period.
Visible on the lower panels of the balustrade are Greek crosses, as well as pairs of doves as well as a large drinking cup known as a kantharos -- likely intended a Eucharistic motif given that, historically speaking, this was a symbol associated with Dionysius and wine.
Ten graceful columns line the nave, five per side, each coming in a different style -- thus being suggestive of them being spolia -- architectural reclamations from earlier structures.
The exterior of the basilica itself is very simple and very Roman in character, and while it does not particularly 'stand out' (in any baroque sense) it is certainly worth a look.
An absolutely enchanting piece of Romanesque liturgical architecture.
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The basilica was restored in 1924, removing some of the additions of later centuries, so what we are left with today is purely Romanesque structure. It is worth noting that at one time the main altar of the basilica was covered by a ciborium magnum -- a common feature in paleochristian and early medieval Christian architecture. Sadly this is no longer in place today having fallen into ruin at some point, but we do still find its remnants displayed along the wall of the basilica.
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| The main altar |
A sixth century balustrade separates the presbytery from the nave -- another common feature of the period.
Visible on the lower panels of the balustrade are Greek crosses, as well as pairs of doves as well as a large drinking cup known as a kantharos -- likely intended a Eucharistic motif given that, historically speaking, this was a symbol associated with Dionysius and wine.
On the second lower panel, we find a Latin cross, with another pair of doves, as well as a pair of peacocks -- symbolizing resurrection and eternal life.
Ten graceful columns line the nave, five per side, each coming in a different style -- thus being suggestive of them being spolia -- architectural reclamations from earlier structures.
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| The remnants of an Eastern Roman style capital |
Located along the side naves are also the remains of the earlier, fifth century mosaics. This portion of the basilica is actually set down approximately one metre from the level of the main nave, thus pointing this being the original foundational level of the previous, fifth century basilica.
The mosaics found here are very Roman in their character, comprised of vegetal elements, birds and crosses; they also contain dedicatory epigraphs denoting some of the prominent benefactors of the basilica.
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| A dedicatory epigraph |
The exterior of the basilica itself is very simple and very Roman in character, and while it does not particularly 'stand out' (in any baroque sense) it is certainly worth a look.
An absolutely enchanting piece of Romanesque liturgical architecture.
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