The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major has dominated over the city of Rome for 16 centuries as the Marian shrine par excellence and the cradle of artistic civilization. Located at the summit of the Esquiline Hill, it is one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary indicated and inspired the construction of her abode on the Esquiline Hill. She appeared in a dream to the aristocrat, Giovanni, and to Pope Liberius, asking for the construction of a Church in her honour, in a place that She would miraculously reveal. The Miracle of the Snows is recalled each year with a solemn celebration. During the liturgy, a shower of white petals falls from the ceiling, creating an almost perfect union between the congregation and the Mother of God.
The Basilica houses the most important Marian icon, the Salus Populi Romani. Tradition attributes the image to Saint Luke the Evangelist, the Patron Saint of painters. Pope Francis entrusts his Apostolic Journeys to the protection of the Salus Populi Romani, which he visits before every departure and after every return.
The relic of the Holy Crib, the manger in which Baby Jesus was laid to rest, highlights the importance of Saint Mary Major as the “Bethlehem of the West”. The first Christmas night Mass was celebrated here and Pontiffs have been keeping this tradition alive for centuries.
Among the Basilica’s most important relics are the remains of Saint Matthew and Saint Jerome.
Seven Popes are buried in the Basilica.
It is so overwhelming to me, Cherie. Perhaps it is meant to be so
Inside it feels serene, peaceful and calming. It has a special atmosphere.
Did you have pictures of this one before posted? It’s beautiful, and the architecture is phenomenal, but the interior decor is almost overly ornate, in a way (if I may be so bold to say).
I like some of the smaller gems you’ve shown, whether they let the architecture speak for itself as a work of art (especially the ceilings) and a few focal-point pieces, but packing them with so much gilded stuff almost detracts, it’s almost too busy, makes it hard to know what to look at?
Forgive me if this was a favorite. It’s still better than anything we could ever dream here in America, but I guess with so many in Rome, you can get spoiled and choosy lol
I haven’t posted the interior of this church before. If you look at the second picure which shows the aisle of the church, that is how the church appears.
Most of the other pictures are taken in chapels off to the side. They are all individual rooms and decicated to different saints and there is the area that holds relics from the crib of Jesus. The fourth picture (at the bottom) shows the stairs down to this space.
This was a favourite, it has a special spiritual feel to it, especially the chapel with the Marion icon. I didn’t take any photos as a service was due to start, I just sat for a while and enjoyed the special place.
The worst thing about this church was tourists posing for photographs next to holy relics and tombs. It made me cringe.
I hope I didn’t offend you, then, I love, love, love the architecture. I think that’s what makes it seems busy, actually, all the people standing around, but that’s to be expected, I guess. And yes, I agree, some things, you don’t take selfies with!
Plus that may just be a personal thing, I tend to gravitate towards smaller, quiet churches to feel closer to God, for some reason – I don’t know why. Maybe because it’s the opposite of charismatic faith churches that I originally grew up in, which were super loud! lol But I’d still visit the grand cathedrals because of the artistry, they’re magnificent!
I am not in the slightest bit offended. I actually think you would love this church if you visited