Known also as Our Lady of the Snows.
A grand basilica facing the Piazza dell ‘Esquilino, this church was founded in 432AD by Pope Liberius and completed under Pope Sixtus III. It is the biggest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and where the great architect Bernini is buried.
Above the 40 columns in the interior, find friezes portraying the Old Testament leading to the coming of Christ. Behind the high altar, find a magnificent portrayal of Jesus and Mary. Don’t forget to look up. The ceiling is decorated with a magnificent fresco by Guiliano da San Gallo.
Look for the Cappela Paoline (Pauline Chapel) showing a 9th century painting of Madonna and child. On the 5th of August, the altar is showered with white petals to celebrate Liberuis’ vision of the Virgin Mary, a day of when snow fell on Rome.
Other Churches to visit in central Rome
Read
all my articles on Rome on my Rome
a Survival Kit
 |
| Santa Maria Maggoire ceiling fresco |
 |
| Chapel in Santa Maria Maggiore |
 |
| Santa Maria Maggiore cupola |
 |
| Grand hallway within Santa Maria Maggiore |
 |
| Facade of the Santa Maria Maggiore |
