To get to know Santa Maria Maggiore more, you have to remember its other name as well like Basilica Liberiana, Santa Maria della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow), and Santa Maria ad Praesepem or from the relic of the presepio or crib. Though Santa Maria Maggiore causes confusion to many when it comes to the church’s appellation, Rome considers Santa Maria Maggiore as the principal church in Rome that is primarily dedicated to Saint Mary.
Looking Back at Santa Maria Maggiore’s History
You might have known that there are several ancient Catholic basilicas in the Holy City and Santa Maria Maggiore is one of them. In fact, Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal basilicas. The fifth one, which is also a reputable church, is St. Lawrence which is located outside the walls of Rome.
Santa Maria Maggiore is being presided over by a patron. Pope Liberius was one of Santa Maria Maggiore’s patrons who housed the most important congregations of ancient Christians in Rome in ancient times.
The Legend Behind Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the site of goddess Cybele’s temple. And for the so called legend of Santa Maria Maggiore, based on the 13th century, the present site of Santa Maria Maggiore was the same site where an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was seen. Believers of the legend point that the Blessed Virgin appeared to Pope Liberius.
Meanwhile, the same thing happened to the patrician Giovanni Patrizio on August 4, 352 (or 358) wherein both, along with Pope Liberius, were instructed to build a church on the hill of Esquiline. And it was at the same night that the floor plan of Santa Maria Maggiore was outlined with the help of the miraculous snowfall.
Know What You Have to See in Santa Maria Maggiore
There is no doubt that Santa Maria Maggiore is a beautiful church. In fact it is considered to be the next most beautiful church in Rome after St. Peter’s Basilica. The ancient layout of Santa Maria Maggiore, along with the exterior features from the 18th century, is what makes the church beautiful.
The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore is another picture-perfect view you shouldn’t miss. The majestic Early Christian form is still preserved in Santa Maria Maggiore which we can date back in the 5th century.
More so, the 5th-century mosaics within the Santa Maria Maggiore church powerfully depict the scenes which we can read from the Old Testament of the Bible. For starters, the left-hand side of Santa Maria Maggiore represents the scenes of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob while on the right-side scenes you will see Moses’ and Joshua’s.
Though not all mosaics that were built in Santa Maria Maggiore still exist, you can still find original mosaics. Some panels were replaced through painted copies of the 16th century and the golden mosaics of Triumphal Arch were retained.
You wouldn’t run out of good things to see when you will take your Santa Maria Maggiore trip. And at the end of the day of your trip, you will realize how fortunate you are in earning the opportunity to visit one of a kind church of the world.
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