Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

Read 1 review about Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

Add review

So, you are determined to "ride" through the holy places, or suddenly accidentally found yourself in Rome - one way or another you direct road to one of the four main basilica of Rome - the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This basilica is almost the most famous church in Rome and the only one that has preserved its original appearance almost entirely.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is almost the most famous church in Rome and the only one that has preserved its original appearance almost entirely.

It seems that with the understanding of the "Santa Maria" part of the questions will not arise, but "Maggiore" means "great": indeed, in its magnitude and importance, Santa Maria Maggiore surpasses all churches existing in Rome in the name of the Mother of God (among other things, they are almost eighty in the eternal city.)

The basil in 352 was founded by Pope Liveri. Her appearance is connected with the legend that once in a dream to him and to one Roman rich man Giovanni the Mother of God appeared in a dream and ordered the church to be built on the place where the next day snow falls. The next day, on August 5, as you understand, both the rich man and the pope saw the snow on the top of the Esquiline Hill, where a cathedral was built. In memory of this every year on August 5 parishioners of the church are showered with white flower petals.

So do not be surprised when you hear how the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore is called "Madonna della Neve", and at the entrance to the basilica, admire the amazing beauty of the 13th century mosaic dedicated to "Miracle with snow"

Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

The main entrance to Santa Maria Maggiore is located in the eastern wall adjacent to the square of the Mother of God "Maggiore" . By the way, many popes, trying to make this very revered Roman the church is even more beautiful, it was completed and decorated with it . The bell tower - the highest in Rome (75 m) - was attached and to the basilica in 1377 g ., and the present facade with a portico and a loggia was built in the 1740s . In the loggia, on the wall representing the old facade of the church, the mosaic decor of the beginning 14 in the . remained. The interior is a three-nave basilica plan with forty columns . High-ceiling painting is attributed to Giuliano Sangallo .

Come to Santa Maria Maggiore, this is the right place to think about eternal beauty, art, God.

Ceiling and walls of Santa Maria -Majors are decorated with amazing mosaics, narratives about Christmas and the life of Christ. Also preserved are magnificent mosaics with Old Testament scenes, dating back to the time of the construction of the temple, and this is 4-5 centuries! By the way, they are the most ancient in Rome! The ceiling is covered with gold, which was first brought from America on the ships of Columbus, and the marble floor consists of plates of various colors, forming whimsical shapes in the form of various geometric figures.

But the main treasures of Santa Maria Maggiore are not visible at first sight - this the real manger of the Child Jesus Christ, stored over the papal altar, the priceless icon of the Virgin Mary "Salvation of the Roman people", the most revered in Rome, belonging to the apostle Luke, and the relics of the apostle Matthew.

Basilica itself is divided into three chapels: the Sistine Chapel, distinguished by its rich furnishings, is assumed, followed by the Paolinsky Chapel, which is even more luxurious, and closer to the exit of the Sforza Chapel, built, presumably, by the design of Michelangelo. So the shrines in Santa Maria Maggiore and for believers, and for fans of history and art in abundance. The sacred thrill of all visitors is guaranteed.

Not far from the main altar is the Museum of the History of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Chapel of Christmas with a sculptural group illustrating the scene of the arrival of the Magi to the baby Jesus. And before the entrance to the basilica - a 15-meter column with the figure of the Virgin Mary cast of bronze.

Therefore, if you are traveling around Rome and suddenly get tired of all the temporary and bustling shops, cafes, clubs - come to Santa- Maria Maggiore, this is the right place to think about eternal beauty, art, God.

Address: Piazza dell'Esquilino, 34, Roma

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

The interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome @ Maggiore

Picture in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Ceiling of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

The ceiling of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Comments on Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome (1)

Evaluation 7

Who was in a dream November 25, 2013

Dawkins

was here in August 2013

Basilica of St. Maria Maggiore is one of the largest and most magnificent in all of Rome. If you are lucky enough to get on a tour of Christian Rome, then you will definitely be taken there. But to get there yourself is not difficult, you just need to get to the metro Termini or Cavor. The basilica is open daily until 18.45. Inside it, it is allowed to take a photo.
According to the famous legend, which was the beginning of the construction of this church, now every year on August 5 from the ceiling of Santa Maria Maggiore ... Read full review