Church in Altino, Italy, Identified as Likely Site Mentioned in St. Jerome’s Letters

The discovery of a potential early Christian church in Altino, Italy, has brought to light a significant historical site mentioned in the writings of St. Jerome. Archaeologists from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, in collaboration with the Altino Archaeological Park and the National Archaeological Museums of Venice and the Lagoon, have identified the site through excavations conducted in 2025 and 2026. The building, located within the large Archaeological Park and partially beneath a modern road, is believed to be the Bishop’s Palace of Altino, with the adjacent structure possibly serving as the early church.

This finding offers tangible evidence of Altino’s early Christian heritage, which had previously been known mainly through historical accounts. The church, if the 5th-century chronology is confirmed, may represent the first Christian church in the Venetian Lagoon. The structure, a rectangular hall measuring approximately 30 meters by 20 meters, dates to between the late fourth century and the first half of the fifth century. Its orientation and architectural features suggest it was built with specific religious and functional purposes in mind.

St. Jerome, an early Christian scholar and theologian, referenced Altino’s church in his Letter 60, written in A.D. 396. In this letter, he described the young priest Nepotian’s dedication to the church, including its altar, walls, floors, curtained doorways, and sacred vessels. The date of the letter aligns with the period archaeologists believe the church was constructed. This historical account, combined with the recent archaeological findings, provides a more complete picture of the city’s early Christian presence.

The excavation also sheds light on the transition from Altino to Torcello and Venice. According to Diego Calaon, the excavation director, the findings suggest a gradual transformation rather than a sudden displacement. The ancient city’s buildings and spaces became a source of materials that contributed to the development of a new way of living in the lagoon. This insight underscores the active role of Altino’s inhabitants in shaping the region’s history.

The identification of the church and bishop’s palace represents a significant step in understanding the early Christian presence in the Venetian Lagoon. The collaboration between academic institutions and archaeological parks highlights the importance of preserving and studying historical sites. As the research continues, these findings may further illuminate the spiritual and cultural life of early Christian communities in the region.

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