This paper deals with a main theoretical research question which asks how to best represent Byzantine art in virtual environments. The two options of photo realistic and non photo realistic rendering are researched in the background of topics related to digital reproduction of Byzantine art, Byzantine art aesthetics and system evaluation studies in order to derive appropriate design methodologies according to the scopes set. The problem is studied within the framework of developing a Byzantine virtual museum that aims to represent the authentic expressivity of Byzantine artifacts of a real Byzantine art museum located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Monastery of St John Lampadistis.