Aquileia is located in Friuli-Venezi-Giulia (Udine Province) Italy, and is listed as a UNESCO site. Construction of the Basilica began in the years following AD 313 and continued over the years through the 14-15th centuries.
Basilica of Aquileia. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
Inside are 760 square meters of mosaics of what is said to be “the largest Paleo-Christian mosaic of the western world.” These date to the late 4th century AD. The mosaic was covered by other flooring over the centuries, and was not uncovered until the years 1909-1912.
Of the many scenes depicted, I wanted to share this photo of the “Good Shepherd.” The on-site brochure states, “Christ is portrayed as a beardless young man bearing the lost lamb upon his shoulders. In one hand he holds the syrinx (the shepherds’ flute), symbol of the gentleness he takes care of his flock with.”
Christ the Good Shepherd. A scene from the mosaic floor. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
I was also impressed with the baptistery in which immersion took place.
Baptistery at the basilica of Aquileia. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
Here is a view inside the baptistery.
A view looking down inside the baptistery. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
I recently posted on the Good Shepherd motif here.
Click images for larger view.
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