Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of St. Mary Major), is an ancient Catholic basilica. It is widely believed to be the
most important church dedicated to Mary in Western Christendom.
Santa Maria Maggiore has kept its original 5th century structure though it has been much embellished during the intervening years.
Highlights within the church include the 5th century mosaics of the central nave and triumphal arch dating from the pontificate of Pope Sixtus III (432-440) and the apsidal mosaic executed by the Franciscan friar Jacopo Torriti at the order of Pope Nicholas IV (1288-1292).
The façade is the work of Ferdinand Fuga (1741).
According to legend the location of the church was chosen after a miraculous summer snowfall that outlined where the church should be built. This followed a dream by Pope Liberio on the 5th August when the Virgin Mary invited him to build a church in the place where the following morning he would have found snow. This is commemorated every year on 5th August, when white rose petals are dropped from the dome during the festal Mass.
Times and Prices
Generaly 07.00 - 19.00
FREE Entry
Location
Piazza sta Maria maggiore
How to Get There
METRO RED A or B LINE:
Termini or Cavour or Vittorio Emanuele
External Link
Official Web Site
 | | Interior of Santa Maria Maggiore |
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