When I exited the crypt at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileai, I was reminded that this area was actually near the altar of the church. It is not uncommon to have these crypts built near the altar, after all, they wanted to be closer to God as much as possible. The altar area itself isn’t that fancy considering that this a basilica. There is a frescoe behind the altar itself which is significant but there was little else to see here. I guess one thing I noticed here was the unconventional layout of the altar.

The modern altar is below, basically at the ground level of the basilica. I would have expected it to be on the upper level but it isn’t. It is possible that the church relocated the priest’s seat down to be closer to the congregation. Using my imagination, I can see how the priest would have been seated on the upper level and there is a ready made pulpit right in front. Currently, it is occupied by the crucifix but I find it hard to believe that this was the original layout. I don’t know how many people come to Sunday mass here but I think moving the priest down closer to the people will help build a better connection with the people.

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