
Medieval Europe & the Byzantine Empire: c. 400 – 1300

Inspired by Italian-style architecture abroad, the king of Munster in Ireland commissioned this Romanesque church in the 12th century

Just how did Gothic architects support heavy stone ceilings and create the effect of heaven on earth?
Gothic architecture explained

This luxurious cross supposedly contained a fragment of the True Cross and was commissioned by the High King of Ireland
The Cross of Cong

The early Christian church of Santa Maria Maggiore has some of the oldest mosaics in Rome.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

With two figures representing the Church and the Synagogue, this work demonstrates how Carolingians were negotiating the relationship between Christianity and Judaism
Depicting Judaism in a medieval Christian ivory

Associated with the founder of Christianity in Ireland, this medieval bell and its ornate shrine is one of the treasures of medieval Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Bell and Shrine

Clonmacnoise, an important monastery that attracted religious pilgrims and royal patronage, is considered a quintessential example of the early Irish church
Clonmacnoise

This unfinished Hebrew manuscript meant for a Passover ritual helps us understand how medieval manuscripts were made
The Prato Haggadah

An exceptional example of Byzantine craftsmanship, this shimmering icon was taken from Constantinople to Venice during the Crusades
Icon of the Archangel Michael

This quintessential medieval castle features a dry moat, defensive towers, and murder holes
Cahir Castle, Ireland

Intricate metalwork dons this medieval Irish chalice made for performing the eucharist
The Ardagh Chalice

Originally painted, monumental crosses in Ireland like this one are the largest freestanding sculpture from the Middle Ages
Muiredach Cross

How to identify the Christian figures of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John by their iconography, or symbols, in art
How to recognize the Four Evangelists

Gold, glass, and marble dazzle the eye in this 6th-century church. High above us, Emperor Justinian presides.
San Vitale and the Justinian Mosaic

This dramatic island off the coast of Ireland was once a place for monks to remove themselves from the world
Skellig Michael

Since the Middle Ages, the wall paintings from Sant Climent, Taull have dazzled, enchanted, and captured the imaginations of visitors from across the world.
The Painted Apse of Sant Climent, Taüll, ...

Snakes, peacocks, lions, hares, mice, and more — in the Book of Kells.