Early Christian basilica's from Cimitile, Archaeological complex of early Christian basilicas in Cimitile, Italy.
The early Christian basilicas of Cimitile form an archaeological complex of at least thirteen sacred buildings from the early Christian period. The site displays remains of columns, arches, floor mosaics, and colored wall paintings that are over a thousand years old and spread across a large area.
A holy man named Felice died and was buried at this location, after which many people visited his site to pray. Over several hundred years, more and more temples were built around his tomb to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
The basilicas show how people created and decorated prayer spaces with mosaics and frescoes to express their religious beliefs. The buildings grew around a meaningful tomb that attracted many pilgrims, which is why more structures were added over time.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds have many uneven surfaces and exposed foundations that require careful walking. It helps to bring a guide or read about the site beforehand to understand the different building parts and their purpose.
Some of the floor mosaics still show their original colors and geometric patterns, even though they have been in place for over 1500 years. These artworks owe their survival to favorable soil conditions and the region's dry climate.
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