Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome, Italy)
The papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome's Esquiline Hill, dates to the fifth century, perhaps replacing an earlier church. According to a popular tradition, the site was chosen after a miraculous snow storm in early August was sent by the Virgin Mary. Dedicated by Pope Sixtus III, it was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus declared her Theotokos, or Mother of God, in 431.
The current basilica is a masterpiece of Christian art through the ages. The mosaics of the central aisle and sanctuary arch date to the fifth century. The geometric marble Cosmati floors and the apse mosaics were completed in the 13th century. The coffered ceiling, said to contain the first gold sent back to Europe from the New World, date to the end of the 15th or early 16th century.
For more information: www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/en/storia/in...
Follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia
Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome, Italy)
The papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome's Esquiline Hill, dates to the fifth century, perhaps replacing an earlier church. According to a popular tradition, the site was chosen after a miraculous snow storm in early August was sent by the Virgin Mary. Dedicated by Pope Sixtus III, it was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus declared her Theotokos, or Mother of God, in 431.
The current basilica is a masterpiece of Christian art through the ages. The mosaics of the central aisle and sanctuary arch date to the fifth century. The geometric marble Cosmati floors and the apse mosaics were completed in the 13th century. The coffered ceiling, said to contain the first gold sent back to Europe from the New World, date to the end of the 15th or early 16th century.
For more information: www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/en/storia/in...
Follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia