Rome, Basilica di Santa Prassede: MRA-ITA-Rom325

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Geographic Location

Historical note about the site/monument: Although a church existed at the site of the current basilica in the 5^th century, the current cruciform structure was commissioned in the late 8^th century and completed in 822 CE at the order of Pope Hadrian I to hold the relics of Saint Praxedes and Saint Prudentia. Perhaps the most renowned feature of the church is its extensive program of mosaics. The Chapel of Saint Zeno (completed in 824) provides superb examples of Byzantine mosaic art and still possesses its original opus sectile pavement. It is also one of the earliest extant chapels built specifically for funerary purposes, being commissioned by Pope Paschal I for his mother Theodora. The church likewise houses precious high medieval frescoes from the 9^th century (commissioned by Pope Pascal I).

Sources:
Mackie, G. (1989). The Zeno chapel: a prayer for salvation. Papers of the British School at Rome, 57, 172-199.

Mackie, G. (1995). Abstract and vegetal design in the San Zeno chapel, Rome: the ornamental setting of an early medieval funerary programme. Papers of the British School at Rome, 63, 159-182.

Further reading:
Schaefer, M. M. (2013). Women in Pastoral Office: The Story of Santa Prassede, Rome. Oxford University Press.

Emerick, J. J., & Deliyannis, D. M. (2005). Altars personified: the cult of the saints and the chapel system in Pope Pascal I's S. Prassede (817-819).

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