Why is S Maria Maggiore dedicated to the Virgin Mary?
This name for the basilica had become popular in the 14th century in connection with a legend that circa the year 352, during “the pontificate of Liberius, a Roman patrician John and his wife, who were without heirs, made a vow to donate their possessions to the Virgin Mary.
What is the Santa Maria Maggiore made of?
When a new apse was added in the 13th century, it was also decorated with mosaics. Although the ceiling is Renaissance, the slabs of fine marble and the Classical columns are pieces of original plunder from other buildings.
Why was the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore built?
The first building at the site stood in honor of the Roman goddess Juno. Built in 375 BC, it served as a pagan site of worship for hundreds of years before its destruction. Much more is known of the second temple at the site. In 358 AD, a wealthy, heirless patrician decided to donate his fortune to the church.
Who built Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore?
Pope Sixtus III
Pope Sixtus III built the present church in 431 AD to honor Mary, but two significant buildings preceded it at the site. Interestingly, they too were built to honor great women. The first building at the site stood in honor of the Roman goddess Juno.
Who built Santa Maria Maggiore?
What is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore?
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is an ancient Catholic basilica that is considered to be the largest of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome.
What is the significance of the mosaics at Santa Maria Maggiore?
The mosaics found in Santa Maria Maggiore are one of the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary in Christian Late Antiquity. As one scholar puts it, “This is well demonstrated by the decoration of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome,… where the iconographic depiction of the Virgin Mary was chosen at least in part…
Why is the Church of Santa Maria Rome in Rome?
Following the Lateran Treaty in 1929, the Church of Santa Maria Rome was conceded to the Pope. Essentially, the Italian state agreed to recognize it as an “overseas” Vatican territory. Its bishops have diplomatic immunity – so it is a little bit like having another foreign embassy in Rome.
When was St Maria della Vittoria built?
Built during 1605–26, Santa Maria della Vittoria harbours an unfailing crowd-pleaser, Gian Lorenzo Bernini ’s The Ecstasy of St. Teresa (1645–52). It is conceived entirely in theatrical terms, even to having the Cornaro family (in marble) seated in opera boxes at the sides of the chapel.