Basilica paleocristiana di San Lorenzo

The Early Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo in Aosta was built in the fifth century over a Roman necropolis and preserves evidence of early Christian burial practices.

Why it matters

The basilica is an important funerary church in the Alpine region and documents Aosta's transition from Roman colony to Christian centre. Burials of early Christians and bishops accumulated beneath and around the church between the fifth and eighth centuries.

What to notice

The original church had a Latin-cross plan about 36 metres long with apses at the ends of its arms. Excavations beneath the church revealed Roman tombs, later Christian burials and privileged graves near the altar. The modern protective covers above the archaeological area are shaped like open books.

Context and history

Built in the fifth century, the church was damaged by fire and flood in the eighth century. A smaller church was rebuilt in the ninth century, and later medieval and early modern alterations changed its plan and orientation. It was rebuilt in 1642 and eventually lost its parish role in the late eighteenth century. Archaeological excavations later revealed its earlier phases.