Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
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What you need to know about the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is one of the most important and impressive churches in the city, famous for its grand architecture, rich history, and stunning art. Built in the fifth century, it is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and the largest Catholic church dedicated to the Madonna. Here are some highlights of its history and unique features:
Historical Significance
The Legend of the Foundation: According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a Roman patrician and Pope Liberius, asking for a church to be built in her honor. Miraculously, on August 5, it snowed on the Esquiline Hill, a rare occurrence in Rome, indicating the site where the basilica was to be built.
Architectural Evolution: Although the original structure dates back to the fifth century, the basilica has undergone various interventions and expansions, including those of the Baroque period that have enriched its artistic splendor.
Architectural Features
Early Christian Mosaics: The mosaics of the basilica date back to the fifth century and represent one of the most important testimonies of early Christian art. The mosaics in the apse depict scenes from the life of Mary, and those in the triumphal arch depict biblical scenes.
Sistine Chapel and Pauline Chapel: The basilica houses two extraordinary side chapels. The Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican) was commissioned by Pope Sixtus V and contains his funeral monument. The Pauline Chapel, built for Pope Paul V, is richly decorated and preserves a miraculous image of Our Lady.
Relics and Traditions
Relics of the Nativity: Santa Maria Maggiore preserves the relics attributed to the manger of Jesus, preserved in a gold and crystal case under the main altar.
Snow Festival: Every year on August 5, the “snow festival” is celebrated, with a re-enactment of the miraculous snowfall, during which white petals are dropped from the ceiling of the basilica.
Architecture and Design
Early Christian and Romanesque influence: The basilica is one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Rome, with Romanesque elements blending harmoniously into a single complex. The nave is adorned with gilded mosaics from the fifth century, representing scenes from the Old Testament, while the architecture as a whole has a sober and austere majesty.
Baroque façade: The façade of the basilica was renovated in the eighteenth century by Ferdinando Fuga at the request of Pope Benedict XIV. It has an ornate loggia, from which you can admire views of Piazza dell’Esquilino, as well as a medieval bell tower, which is the tallest in Rome, about 75 meters high.
The Coffered Ceiling: The ceiling of the central nave is adorned with a coffered ceiling covered with gold leaf, said to have been offered by the Spanish rulers Ferdinand and Isabella, as a tribute to Christ and Mary.
Artistic Masterpieces
Mosaics of the Triumphal Arch and Apse: The mosaics of the fifth century, located in the triumphal arch, depict episodes from the life of Christ, while those of the apse, added in the thirteenth century, represent the Coronation of the Virgin and other biblical scenes. They are among the oldest and best-preserved mosaics in Rome.
The Column of the Virgin: In front of the basilica, in the square of the same name, stands a marble column about 14 meters high, coming from the Basilica of Maxentius. A statue of the Virgin Mary was placed on it. It is a symbol of devotion and a point of reference for the faithful who gather in the square to celebrate Our Lady.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
Papality and Liturgical Functions: Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the papal basilicas and has a direct link with the papacy. Here the pope celebrates important liturgies, such as the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception. The basilica is also known as the “pope’s church,” as the abbot of the basilica is always a cardinal chosen by the pontiff.
Indulgences and Pilgrimages: This basilica is one of the main stages of the Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome. Pilgrims can receive plenary indulgences during Holy Years by visiting the four major basilicas, including St. Mary Major.
Curious and Traditional Details
Statue of the Salus Populi Romani: Inside the Pauline Chapel is the icon of the “Salus Populi Romani,” one of the most venerated images of Our Lady by the Romans. According to tradition, this icon would have protected Rome from various calamities and is displayed during special events and processions.
Miracle of Our Lady of the Snows: The miracle of the snow is celebrated every year on August 5, where a shower of white petals recalls the miraculous snow. This celebration takes place in the basilica and in the square, attracting thousands of devotees.
Events and Importance for the Faithful
Popes’ Visits and Special Celebrations: The basilica has hosted numerous papal celebrations, including visits from Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, which have renewed the link between the city of Rome and the basilica. Pope Francis, in particular, frequently visits the basilica to pray before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani before each apostolic journey.
Curiosities
The Miracle of the Snow
An Unexpected Event: The miracle that inspired the construction of the basilica is truly unusual: a snowfall that occurred on August 5th! Even today, every year on that date, during the “Snow Festival,” white petals are dropped from the ceiling of the basilica in memory of the miracle, creating an evocative and touching moment for the faithful.
The Salus Populi Romani
The Miraculous Icon: The basilica preserves the icon of the “Salus Populi Romani” (Salvation of the Roman People), considered miraculous and deeply venerated. During epidemics, wars and other calamities, the Romans turned to this image of the Madonna for protection and salvation. Pope Francis visits the icon each time before embarking on an apostolic journey.
New World Gold
Gold Leaf Coffered Ceiling: The coffered ceiling of the basilica is covered with gold, which is said to be the first gold to arrive from the New World, donated by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella as an act of devotion. This gold, a symbol of opulence and devotion, makes the ceiling one of the most fascinating in Rome.
The Tallest Bell Tower in Rome
A Medieval Record: The bell tower of Santa Maria Maggiore, about 75 meters high, is the tallest in Rome and was built in 1377. This impressive medieval structure dominates the landscape of the area and represents one of the most iconic parts of the basilica.
A Manger in the Basilica
Relics of the Nativity: The basilica preserves the relics attributed to the manger of Jesus. They are kept in a precious shrine under the main altar and attract thousands of pilgrims every year who come to venerate these sacred relics linked to the birth of Christ.
Bernini’s Tomb
Last resting place of a Master: Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest artists of the Italian Baroque, is buried in the basilica, in the simple family tomb located near the altar of St. Joseph. His tomb is unexpectedly modest, given the artistic caliber and fame of the great sculptor.
A Basilica That Has Seen Rome Change
Five Centuries of Continuity: Santa Maria Maggiore is the only basilica in Rome to have kept its original early Christian plan intact, despite various restoration works. This makes it a true architectural and historical treasure, an example of continuity in the heart of a city that has seen centuries of change.
Sustainable Use of Water
La Fonte di Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore: In the square in front of the basilica there is a fountain designed by Carlo Maderno. It was once connected to the Roman aqueducts and served as a water point for the community. This fountain system was part of the Roman water strategy, ensuring continuous and sustainable access to water for all citizens.
Symbol of Unity
Union of Different Religious Orders: The management of the basilica is shared by various religious orders, unlike other basilicas. This symbolizes the unity in diversity of the Catholic Church and helps to make it an important meeting place for communities of different spiritualities.
An Ancient Temple at Night
Night Lighting: At night, the basilica is illuminated in a way that highlights its façade, loggia and bell tower, creating a magical atmosphere and allowing you to appreciate its majesty from a different angle. The night vision of the basilica is among the most evocative in Rome and attracts many visitors even at sunset.