Santa Maria Maggiore Religious Sights
Churches Within A Church
Rome,
Rome, 00185
Italy
Transport Options:
Train Available: Termini
Overview
Santa Maria Maggiore harmonizes a great variety of architectural styles: the naves date from the 15th Century, the bell-tower is medieval, the ceiling is from the Renaissance and the domes are Baroque. Here, one might say, the entire history of ecclesiastical architecture is united under one roof. The Capella Sforza is by Michelangelo. The finest fresco painters of the age took turns decorating the walls of this imposing edifice, and it is said that the magnificent ceiling was gilded with the first gold brought back from America by Christopher Columbus. Over the years certain details of the basilica have been destroyed, notably the mosaics that used to decorate the apse, which dates from 1200. The bell-tower was rebuilt in the 14th Century, to the original design, after being destroyed in an earthquake. Popes Sixtus V and Paul V are buried here.
I had the luck of my hotel being nearby St. Mary's when I was in Rome, so this was my first stop when exploring the city and what a stop it was! This basillica rivals St. Peters and is full of beautiful artwork and sculptures! I highly recommend you see this Basillica while in Rome. One thing to remember that it's still a functioning church (as most churches in Rome still are), so there are areas where photography is forbidden. Legend says the gold inlayed into the ceiling was brought back from the New World by Columbus. Make sure you get here when you visit Rome!
Upon entering the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore visitors will ultimately leave Italy behind and enter into the Vatican. Considered one of Rome
This is a magnificent church. Look at all details.
