The Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)

• Monti: the quarter of Saint Peter
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) (this page)
• San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains), the Moses of Michelangelo
• The many other churches and basilicas in the quarter
• Other monuments and sights in the quarter
• Streets, Piazzas and life in the quarter
• Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

The exterior

The interior

One of the first basilicas in Rome (4th century AD), and dedicated to Our Lady in the place where, according to tradition, it snowed in August, it is probably the most beautiful basilica in town, elegant and sophisticated despite its nearly sober design. The features comprise a simple yet dynamic layout with three naves designed by two essential yet stylish Ionian columns, a wonderful Cosmati marble pavement, beautiful side chapels, and an amazing ceiling, made with the first gold collected in the Americas.

The amazing ceiling

The wonderful mosaic in the apse shows Jesus and Mary, while the apostles, normally in the foreground, are only shown in the background. Many popes are buried in the basilica (especially in the two side chapels Pauline and Sixtine). The architect and sculptor G. L. Bernini is buried in the church. The mosaic in the apse

Pauline chapel

Gian Lorenzo Bernini's grave

The Pope visits the basilica, on the 5th of August (anniversary of the day in which it snowed), and on the 8th of December, every year (Immaculate Conception).

8th December, Immaculate Conception, the ceremony

8th December, Immaculate Conception, procession

Immaculate Conception: the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre

Immaculate Conception: a Knight of Gregorius Magnus

On December 8th, a very important ceremony is held on the Immaculate Conception recurrence. Normally the Pope attends the ceremony. Together with normal people, in the first rows one can find distinguished faithfuls: knights of the Holy Sepulchre, knights of Gregorius Magnus, embassadors to the Holy See etc. The ceremony is not only impressive, but also quite inspiring, and - whether you are a faithful or not - quite touching. The music, the choir are excellent, making the atmosphere most inspiring.

Immaculate Conception, outside the church, after the ceremony: the Spanish Embassador to the Holy See, whom everyone greets - in a way he is considered the most important diplomat in Rome since the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was the first established in Rome

The blind beggar next to him, about whom nobody cares

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