Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary the Magnificent) is one of the main cathedrals of Rome, the holder of the highest title of the Catholic Church - the papal basilica. It is the most important monument of early Christian art, the most beautiful basilica in Europe, a magnificent example of world Baroque. A beautiful legend is associated with the history of its construction - the patrician Giovanni and his childless wife had a dream: the Virgin Mary appeared to them and ordered them to build a temple on the Esquiline Hill in a place where snow would fall in the morning. The couple went to Pope Liberius. It turned out that he had the same dream. August 5, 352 (or 358) was a hot day. Accompanied by the clergy, all three went to the Esquiline Hill and found snow there. Thus, the first stone was laid in the construction of the church. Every year on this day, white flower petals are thrown onto the heads of parishioners.
In 440, Pope Sixtus III decided to significantly expand and reconstruct the church. Over time, the name of the basilica changed several times. At first it was called "Santa Maria of the Snows", then "Santa Maria Liberiana". When one of the main relics was brought to the basilica - fragments of the cradle of Jesus, it was called "Santa Maria Presepe (with the cradle)". After the basilica took its final form and became the largest basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was named "Santa Maria Maggiore". In the 14th century, a 75-meter-high bell tower was built on the three-aisled basilica. This was done under the direction of Pope Gregory XI. The main façade with a portico and loggia was built by Fernando Fuga in the 1740s. He did it so skillfully that in the loggia, on the wall that was the old façade of the church, the mosaic decoration of the 14th century has been preserved, as well as some details of the 5th century.
There are several statues on the central façade. In the center stands the Virgin Mary, holding the little Jesus in her arms.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the square of the same name. In front of the main facade there is a monument. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who saved people from the plague. At the top of the column is a statue of the Virgin Mary. The Plague Column was erected in Rome in 1614, which led to the construction of similar monuments throughout Europe:
The interior of the temple will surprise you with its magnificence:
The interior features the main altar and the canopy supported by four pillars.
In the altar there is an urn containing the relics of St. Matthew. Under the papal altar there is a kind of crypt. This reminds us of the Nativity Cave in Bethlehem. At the entrance there is a statue of the kneeling Pope Pius IX called "Confession".
The crypt contains a valuable relic - several pieces of wood from the cradle of the newborn Jesus, which were brought from Jerusalem by Saint Helena.
To the right of the main altar you will see the tombstone of Gian Lorenzo Bernini with the inscription: "Here lies Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the glory of art and the city." Let me remind you that Bernini is the greatest sculptor of the Renaissance.
The basilica is also the burial place of the Popes - Pius V, Clement VIII, Clement IX, Paul V, Sixtus V and the middle and most beloved sister of Napoleon I - Marie-Paulette Bonaparte.
Your attention will certainly be drawn to the many mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, and also the life of the Virgin Mary.
Here is a mosaic depicting the coronation of the Virgin Mary:
Here is another fragment of the interior:
Three chapels deserve attention, namely the Sistine Chapel:
The Paolini Chapel, also known as the Borghese Chapel:
And the relatively modest Forza Chapel, perhaps built according to the design of Michelangelo:
A special place is reserved for the baptismal ritual in the basilica - the baptistery. It is decorated with a bronze statue of John the Baptist.
You can't miss the organ, created in 1955. The organ, built in 1716, was moved to the Aliforni church.
Under Santa Maria Maggiore is a museum that tells visitors about the temple. The exhibits, located in eight rooms, are related to the history of the basilica, the mystery of the Nativity of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the patron saints of the church. Here are kept paintings, statues, precious attributes of papal power, holy relics and other valuables.
Address of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 42, Rome, Italy.
How to get there:
- by metro - line A/B - stop Termini, then walk 5-10 minutes along Via Cavour;
- by bus №16,70,75,360,717 - stop Santa Maria Majore;
- by tram №5,14 - stop Santa Maria Majore.
You can visit the basilica every day - 07:00-19:00.
Entrance to the basilica is free.
Detailed and up-to-date information can be found on the official website of the basilica: https://www.basilicasantamariamaggiore.va/en.html.
I think I gave you at least Partial view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
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