Floors of medieval churches in Rome

After the end of the Roman Empire, Rome often continued to decorate the floors with beautiful mosaics. Many precious marbles were often found among the ruins of ancient Rome.

In the Middle Ages, however, there were several stages. In later times the workshops of Cosmati were particularly appreciated.

In an initial period craftsmen create simple floor mosaics, then some important workshops built more complex mosaics.
The artistic workshops of Cosmati and Vassalletto families also work in different towns around Rome.

floor in the basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano -photo L.B.

floor in San Crisogono church-photo a.p.

floor in Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the Walls-photo a.p.

To read more:
Cosmati and Vassalletto  (italian)
Floors in Middles Ages    (italian)
Mosaics in Rome              (english)

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view of the floor in Santa Maria in Cosmedin 

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Byzantine art in eastern Sicily

In a period of the Middle Ages, in eastern Sicily, Byzantine art has left some evidence. In some areas the monks had many relationships with Eastern Christians.

After the Arab domination had been a bit 'of Byzantine culture. The Norman kings to decorate their beautiful churches asked often the collaboration of many artists of the Byzantine school.

We publish some interesting photos.

fresco in Syracuse, crypt San Marziano 

photo by Susanna Valpreda

fresco of St. Barbara in Pantalica necropolis (read wikipedia)
photo by Susanna Valpreda

On these topics a book written in Italian is also acquirable on Amazon

Susanna Valpreda: Sikelia-In Sicilia orientale nel periodo bizantino
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