Cappella di Sant'Aquilino, Early Christian chapel in Milan, Italy
Cappella di Sant'Aquilino is an octagonal chapel in Milan connected to the Basilica of San Lorenzo through a marble portal. This portal is decorated with fruits, birds, dolphins, and deities carved in the first century.
The chapel was built between 390 and 430 CE and features two preserved dome mosaics depicting Christ among his disciples and Christ on a solar chariot. These two representations come from this early Christian period and shape the interior.
The chapel displays a blend of Roman and Christian elements that visitors can see in the golden mosaics and colorful marble walls. This fusion of two worlds appears throughout the space as one moves through it.
The chapel is accessible through an entrance from the basilica and requires no special preparation for a visit. The interior is well lit by windows during daylight, making daytime the best time to explore and see the mosaics clearly.
The dome was cleverly built with hollow amphoras and clay tubes embedded in its structure to reduce weight. This ancient building technique shows how Roman builders used materials smartly to create a sturdy yet light roof.
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