This chapter is devoted entirely to the Roman church of Santa Prassede, the principal surviving architectural project of Pope Paschal I (817–824). Its function as a major urban repository for the relics of the city’s Early Christian saints and martyrs, more than 2000 of which were brought here from the extramural catacombs, determines both the architectural model (Saint Peter’s) and many aspects of the decoration in mosaic, mural painting and sculpture. Special attention is devoted to the San Zeno chapel, the burial site of Paschal’s mother, Theodora, whose mosaic programme, including her portrait, is completely preserved and reflects that function. Consideration is given to Richard Krautheimer’s suggestion that this church constitutes evidence for a ‘Carolingian renascence’ of architectural forms associated with the first Christian emperor, Constantine.

Examines the patronage of Pope Paul I (757–67) at three of his principal projects: the construction of San Silvestro in Capite (a monastery he founded in his family home), Santa Maria Antiqua (substantially redecorated), and Saint Peter’s (where he created new chapels). These offer new insights into the culture and concerns of a pope whose Liber pontificalis biography is among the shortest. Also examined is the phenomenon of translating the relics of saints from the extramural catacombs to churches within the city walls, a practice which Paul initiates on a significan scale.