Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Italy Rome Cappella di San Zenone (Chapel of Saint Zeno)

Cappella di San Zenone (Chapel of Saint Zeno)

Its interior is adorned with some of the best examples of early Christian mosaics.

Rome, Italy

Added By
Marta
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Detail of ceiling mosaic.   Marta / Atlas Obscura User
Entrance to St Zeno’s chapel.   Marta / Atlas Obscura User
The column of the Scourging of Jesus.   Marta / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

The Cappella di San Zenone (Chapel of Saint Zeno) is a lateral chapel part of the Basilica of Santa Prassede, in Rome. The chapel stands out due to its collection of early Christian mosaics, a wonderful example of Byzantine art in Rome. The structure is considered a unique example of Carolingian Renaissance style in Rome and its beauty earned it the moniker the "Garden of Paradise." 

The chapel dates back to the ninth-century and was constructed on the orders of Pope Paschal I. He wanted to use it as a sepulchral chamber for his beloved mother, Theodora.

Inside the chapel are several shining examples of centuries-old mosaic craftsmanship. Tiny, perfectly cut tiles form amazing images that cover the interior of the sanctuary. The cross-vaulted ceiling is decorated with an image of Christ Pantocrator and four angelic figures. The mosaic stands out for its precious golden tiles that create the backdrop, and the light blue and red coloring that helps accentuate the details. 

Along the chapel walls, additional mosaics depict female figures identified as Theodora, Agnes, Prassede and Pudenziana, Prassede’s sister. The chapel also contains a reliquary holding what is said to be the column upon which Jesus was flogged during his final days. It's believed to have been brought to the chapel from Jerusalem in 1223 under Pope Honorius III.

Related Tags

Basilicas Churches Architecture Mosaics Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

The chapel is part of the Basilica of Santa Prassede, which itself is worth visiting. Access to the church and chapel is free, but 1 Euro is necessary to switch on the chapel lights to better admire the mosaics. The light machine is beside the chapel door. Flash photography is not allowed (standard photography is ok.)  

Atlas Obscura Adventures

Flavors of Italy: Roman Carbonara, Florentine Steak & Venetian Cocktails

Savor local cuisine across Rome, Florence & Venice.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

Marta

Edited By

Collector of Experiences

  • Collector of Experiences

Published

December 10, 2019

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://mamalovesrome.com/visiting-santa-prassede-rome/ 
  • Info leaflet available in the basilica
Cappella di San Zenone (Chapel of Saint Zeno)
9 Via di Santa Prassede
Rome, 00184
Italy
41.896499, 12.498753
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Arch of Gallienus

Rome, Italy

miles away

Porta Alchemica

Rome, Italy

miles away

Sculpture of Giovanni Paolo II

Rome, Italy

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Rome

Rome

Italy

Places 144
Stories 24

Nearby Places

Arch of Gallienus

Rome, Italy

miles away

Porta Alchemica

Rome, Italy

miles away

Sculpture of Giovanni Paolo II

Rome, Italy

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Rome

Rome

Italy

Places 144
Stories 24

Related Places

  • Basilica of Santa Sabina.

    Rome, Italy

    Basilica of Santa Sabina

    The best preserved Paleochristian basilica in Rome hides a number of oddities and secrets.

  • The basilica’s twin towers

    Guelph, Ontario

    Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate

    A 1975 bylaw prohibits the construction of any building that would block the view of this Gothic Revival church.

  • Apostles in the cupola mosaics.

    Ravenna, Italy

    Baptistery of Neon

    Psychoanalyst Carl Jung reported a paranormal experience after visiting this mosaic-lined Roman baptistry.

  • The Hanging Church.

    Cairo, Egypt

    The Hanging Church

    Standing atop 2nd-century Roman ruins, this church is one of the oldest and most iconic in Old Cairo.

  • The interior.

    Palermo, Italy

    The Martorana

    This mosaic-lined medieval church was built by the world's first admiral and still holds mass in ancient Greek.

  • Saint Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

    Asheville, North Carolina

    Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Asheville

    This rare basilica nestled right in downtown Asheville is an architectural marvel, inside and out.

  • The apse with the Christ Pantocrator.

    Palermo, Italy

    Cappella Palatina

    Every inch of this chapel is covered in craftsmanship from across the world.

  • Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

    Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

    Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro

    The world's largest church atop a political fault line.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.