Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome Overview

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's four major Catholic churches. It is a 5th-century church that underwent substantial reparation and renovation until the mid-20th century. Itis known for its massive size, mosaics and masterpieces created by the best of that time.

Various architectural styles can be seen, ranging from early Christian to Baroque, owing to their construction at different phases of history. The mosaics and the marble floors date back to the fifth century, whereas the facades and some interiors come from restoration in the 18th century. The domes, the chapel and the columns are in traditional Baroque style, and the inner paintings on the ceiling can be credited to the Renaissance Era. The Bell Tower is considered the highest in Rome, with 75 metres.

Every year in the first week of August, a special event marking its existence is organized at the church piazza. Visitors can enjoy a light show along with the stunning 13th-century architecture.

History

Before the church was built, a pagal temple of Goddess Cybele stood on the same site. After that around the middle of the fourth century, the construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore began by the orders of the Pope Liberius. Legend says that Virgin Mary appeared in the dream of Pope Liberius and directed him with the instructions to build the church. The church was then called Basilica of Santa Maria Liberiana in dedication to his name.

The basilica had been known by different names over different time periods. It was earlier known as the Santa Maria della Neve (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Snow) as the snow helped in shaping of the church. It was also called Santa Maria Del Presepe (Saint Mary of the Nativity) as it was given a relic of the Holy Nativity. And finally, it was named to as what we call it now - Basilica of Saint Mary Maggiore as it was the largest church in the city dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary.

How to Reach Santa Maria Maggiore

Metro: Termini - line A and line B

Light Rail: 5

Train: FC1, FL4, FL5

Buses: 16, 70, 71, 105, 714, SITBUS

Legend

The legend associated with Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore was sort of a hidden one. It was told to people only after the 11th century. Its historic significance is not known as it is stated only in a few recent texts. According to the story, there was once a couple who owned the property where the church now stands. They did not have any heir and so, decided to dispose of their estate in the name of the Virgin Mary. On the night of 5th of August, centuries before the church was built, there was snowfall on Esquiline Hill. This was taken as a blessing because August is peak summer in Rome. The same night, the couple had a vision of Mother Mary on the same location and subsequently built a basilica on the very spot.

Architecture

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore represents imperial Rome with its traditional/classical architecture. It consists of an altar or the Crypt of the Nativity, the Borghese Chapel and the triumphal arch. The aisles are lined by tall Athenian and Marian pillars. The high altar contains wood which belongs to the Holy Crib of the nativity of Jesus Christ. This site is also the burial site of Saint Jerome. The interiors of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore are especially famous for their mosaic. Some depict the stories of the Virgin Mary, while some, the Old Testament. The church architecture also consists of paintings, bronze statues of angels, and decorated ancient facades and frescoes.