Early Christian Basilica of Saint Vigilius

An archaeological area located in the basement of the Cathedral

Excavations carried out from 1964 to 1977 have brought to light the remains of the Early Christian basilica of Saint Vigilius, built outside the city walls presumably around the end of the fourth century using sections of walls of earlier secular buildings.

The structure’s original purpose was as a burial place for the missionaries in Anaunia Sisinius, Martyrius, and Alexander,murdered in the Val di Non by pagans on 29 May 397. Alongside the martyrs, Vigilius, the third bishop and the patron saint of Trent was also buried here.This ancient house of worship was from the beginning a cemetery basilica, that is to say a shrine with an essentially commemorativefunction.

When the palatium episcopatus (bishop’s palace) was transferred to the immediate vicinity between the ninth and tenth centuries, this building assumed the function of cathedral church. True to the classic shape of Early Christian basilicas, it had an atrium, or perhaps a four-sided porch attached to the frontwall, which was pierced by three doors, the central one of which is still functioning.The ancient basilica was about 43 meters long and 14 meters wide, a fairly large size for a hall church. It probably had a trussed roof. The floor was completely taken up by tombs set in to the ground, all converging towards that of the patron saint. Fragments have been found of a mosaic floor decoration near the chancel, marked off by a step made of red stone still showing the square cavities into which were set the little pillars supporting the pluteus.

In the ninth century two side chapels with apses were added. In the eleventh century the single large space was divided into a nave and two side aisles and a crypt was dug out underneath, causing the chancel area to be raised. The final work on the building was concluded by Bishop Alemanno, who on 18 November 1145 reconsecrated the church in the presence of the Patriarch of Aquileia.

HOW TO GET THERE
The early Christian basilica is located in the basement of St. Vigilius Cathedral. Access is located inside, under the high altar at the corner of the northern transept.

ACCESSIBILITY
The area is not accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities.

OPENING HOURS
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. / 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Sunday 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Closures: the Basilica is closed every Tuesday, January 1st, January 6th, Holy Week, Easter Day, June 26th, August 15th, November 1st and December 25th.

Opening hours may vary according to the liturgical needs of the Cathedral.

TICKETS
→ EARLY CHRISTIAN BASILICA TICKETS
3.00 € full price
2.00 € reduced ticket

→ TRIDENTINE DIOCESAN MUSEUM + EARLY CHRISTIAN BASILICA TICKETS 
7,00 € full price
5,00 € reduced ticket

Free admission: children up to 14 years of age, Officials Soprintendenza Beni Storico Artistici della P.A.T. showing their card, ICOM and AMEI cardholders, Disabled visitors and accompanying person, Law enforcement officers on duty, Journalists with card, Regularly licensed tour guides, Accompanying teachers

Reduced admission: groups of minimum 20 people, visitors aged 15 to 26, over 65, conventioned institutions


Guest Card Trentino
Trentino Guest Card holders are entitled to free admission to the museum and the Early Christian Basilica. For more information click here.

Museum Pass - Trento Rovereto city of cultures
A convenient, prepaid card that allows you to visit museums, castles and places of interest in Trento, Rovereto and surrounding areas. Also included in the CARD is unlimited access to local public transportation for 48 hours. The card costs 22 euros per person. The price does not change in the case of "3-month card extension" and/or also enabling the "family format" card. For more information click here.



For information please call 0461 234419 or email info@mdtn.it.