Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore In Rome: History,Facts, & Services
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a major papal basilica located in Rome, Italy. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the four major papal basilicas along with St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. It is the oldest Marian basilica in the world and is believed to be the site of the more than two thousand year old miracle where snow descended from the sky on August 5th. History records that on this day Pope Liberius had a vision of Mary who instructed him to build a church on the site where the snow had fallen. The basilica was completed in the mid fifth century and it continues to be a significant pilgrimage site up to the present. The basilica has been restored by numerous popes over the centuries and finally underwent a major restoration in the twentieth century.
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore features a number of important works of art, including a beautiful mosaic ceiling depicting Mary surrounded by angels. It also has impressive fresco decorations as well as a number of precious artworks, including a porphyry urn containing relics of the virgin’s milk and a wooden statue of the Madonna and Child. The basilica also houses an important collection of relics, including a thorn from the crown of thorns and part of a pillar which was believed to have been part of the scourging of Christ.
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore provides a variety of services, including Mass and confessions on Sundays. Every August 5th, a traditional procession and liturgy mark the miracle of the snow and honor Mary. Additionally, the basilica offers guided tours, a museum, and a library with a large collection of religious texts.
Explore Rome most popular tourist destination with us. Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore In Rome: History,Facts, & Services,which is 35.14 km away from Rome main town, is the most popular destination to add in your travel wishlist.
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City:
Rome
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state:
Rome, Italy
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country:
Italy
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country code:
IT
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postcode:
00120
Location:
Rome, Italy Italy