Sant'Eusebio, Medieval crypt beneath Piazza Leonardo da Vinci in Pavia, Italy.
Sant'Eusebio is an underground structure beneath Piazza Leonardo da Vinci that contains five naves divided by slender columns supporting cross vaults. These vaults are decorated with 12th-century Byzantine-style frescoes that appear colorfully on the ceilings and walls.
The site began as an Arian cathedral during the Ostrogothic period. Lombard King Rothari transformed the structure between 636 and 652, marking a shift in religious and political control in the region.
The capitals throughout the space show traits of Lombard art influenced by goldsmith techniques, reflecting the craftsmanship of early medieval artisans in northern Italy. The carved stone details reveal the artistic choices of the people who built this place.
The archaeological site is protected by a modern roof structure and can only be visited through advance-arranged guided tours. Visitors need to contact Pavia Civic Museums to schedule access and arrange your visit.
During 1968 restoration work, workers discovered early medieval tombs in the eastern section of the crypt. These findings provided clues about burial practices and the importance of this place in the region.
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