Aquileia reunites medieval Gospel of St. Mark fragments

Aquileia has reunited three scattered fragments of a sixth-century manuscript for the first time in seven centuries. The fragments belong to a medieval Gospel of St. Mark that was historically venerated as a relic believed to be written by the saint's own hand.

The city in northeastern Italy holds a long history with the evangelist, as local tradition holds that St. Mark founded the area's first Christian community. Tour guide Anna Sairu told EWTN Noticias that frescoes in the basilica depict the arrival of St. Mark to establish the community, which supports the local belief in his presence.

Historically, Aquileia served as a center for spreading Christianity into the Balkans and Central Europe. By the fifth century, the city was recognized as an apostolic city, and its bishop held the rank of patriarch.