Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Built on a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in the mid-fourth century by order of Pope Liberius. According to legend, the Virgin appeared to the Pope to the architects who built the church, and the shape of the floor was designed based on a magical snowfall.

Over the years, the basilica has had many different names, such as Saint Mary of the Snow (due to the snow resulting in the church's shape), Santa Maria Liberiana (for Pope Liberius), St. Mary of the Nativity (because it received a relic of the Nativity), and it was eventually called Santa Maria Maggiore, as it was the largest of the 26 churches in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Maria.

The basilica exhibits diverse architectural styles, from early Christian to Baroque. The entire building was restored and renovated in the eighteenth century, so the façade and much of the interior date from that period. Even so, the church retains its bell tower, some medieval marble mosaics and floors, and some Ionic columns from other ancient Roman buildings, as well as splendid fifth-century mosaics.

The ceiling decoration has been preserved since the Renaissance, while the domes and chapel belong to the Baroque period.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is its successful combination of different artistic styles belonging to different historical periods. As if it were made up of remnants, the church summarizes the most important periods of Christian art in Rome.

Business hours:

Daily: 7 am – 6:30 pm

Fare:

Adult: €3
Students and seniors over 65 years old: €2

References: https://www.rome.net/basilica-santa-maria-maggiore