SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE

The Basilica of Saint Maria Maggiore was built after a dream that Pope Liberio had the night on the 5th of August 352, he dreamt the Holy Virgin asking him to build a church wherever he found intact snow (in August!) on the following morning; the miracle did happen and the Pope decided to build a church over the fallen snow.

The Basilica underwent several modifications with the following popes, going from Pope Sisto III to Pope Benedict XIV.

The façade was conceived by Ferdinando Fuga and comprehends luxurious mosaics of the XII century made in an ancient byzantine technique.

Thebelfry was built in 1375-76 in romanic style and is the highest belfry of Rome with its 75mt.

The Basilica's interior leaves totally breathless, it is 86 mt long, divided into three naves from 40 monolithic columns and the floor in cosmatistic style is estimated of mid-XIIth century.

Many other monuments ordered by popes are close to the Basilica's entrance and in its undergrounds one can admire roman ruins from the augustinian era.