Overview:

The Madonna of the Steps in Vatican-City is a sculpture located in the Scala Santa archeological area of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. This baroque sculpture, created by Gianlorenzo Bernini in the late 1600s, depicts the Virgin Mary as she prays for the people who ascend the Holy Staircase to the Vatican Basilica. By surrounding her with attendant angels, Bernini conveys the Madonna’s presence in a 'sacred landscape'. Bernini’s Madonna of the Steps is said to be a representation of the relationship between God and the Catholic Church. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

1. This painting was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de Medici, Pope Julius II's nephew. 2. The painting depicts the young Virgin Mary being comforted by an elder woman. 3. The young Mary is wearing a deep blue mantle draped over her shoulders, to symbolize her purity, while the elder woman is wearing a white shawl around her, which symbolizes her role as the mother figure. 4. Jesus is placed in the arms of the elder woman as a reminder of the importance of the divine relationship between a mother and her child. 5. The painting is painted in Renaissance style, using chiaroscuro to give the figures, especially the faces, an incredible depth and brightness. 6. The vibrant colors of the Virgin Mary's clothing, as well as the colors of the spiritual symbolism embedded in the painting, make the artwork one of the most historically significant pieces of art in the world. 7. The painting is housed in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace and is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the High Renaissance period. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Madonna of the Steps is a 14th-century fresco located in the Vatican City, in the Vatican Museums. It is one of the most beloved and iconic images of the Madonna in Rome. The painting was created sometime in the 13th or 14th centuries and was probably originally located on the steps of a church or chapel in Rome. According to legend, Pope Pius IX, who was the Pope of Rome at the time, saw the painting and had it moved to the vatican. Upon seeing the painting, Pope Pius IX was so moved that he declared it the Madonna of the Steps. From this moment, the painting has become one of the most beloved and iconic images of the Madonna in Rome. Since its relocation to the Vatican, the Madonna of the Steps, as it's come to be called, has been venerated by pilgrims and tourists alike. It is a favorite among Catholic devotees, who come to pray and meditate in front of the venerated painting. The Madonna of the Steps is also a popular subject among many modern artworks, including books, films, and even music. It has become a symbol of mercy, faith, hope, and protection for those who seek its divine blessing. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Madonna of the Steps is a famous 13th century sculpture located at the top of the Scala Santa Steps in the Vatican City. 2. The sculpture is said to represent the Virgin Mary kneeling in prayer as she is giving thanks to God for a miracle that saved the life of Pope Gregory IX (1145-1241) from being murdered by heretics. 3. The sculpture was commissioned by Pope Boniface IX (1389-1404) and is a masterpiece of 15th century Italian sculpture. 4. In the 16th century, Pope Pius V (1504-1572) added a balustrade around the sculpture of Madonna of the Steps to take care of her from falling during his papal processions. 5. The sculpture is adorned with precious jewels and adorned with gold, now kept in the Vatican Museums. 6. The sculpture has been used as a symbol of peace and protection since the Renaissance and is often decorated with flowers on special occasions. 7. In 1951, Pope Pius XII declared the Madonna of the Steps as the Patroness of Rome. 8. The sculpture is located in the Regola district in Rome, and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholic gatherings. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.