The Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
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The exterior |
The interior |
One of the first basilicas in Rome (4th century AD), and dedicated
to Our Lady in the place where, according to tradition, it snowed
in August, it is probably the most beautiful basilica in town,
elegant and sophisticated despite its nearly sober design. The features
comprise a simple yet dynamic layout with three naves designed by
two essential yet stylish Ionian columns, a wonderful Cosmati marble
pavement, beautiful side chapels, and an amazing ceiling,
made with the first gold collected in the Americas.
The amazing coffered ceiling
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The wonderful mosaic in the apse shows Jesus
and Mary, while the apostles, normally in the foreground,
are only shown in the background. Many popes are buried in
the basilica (especially in the two side chapels Pauline and
Sixtine). The architect and sculptor G. L. Bernini is buried in
the church. |
The Pope visits the basilica, on the 5th of August (anniversary
of the day in which it snowed), and on the 8th of December, every
year (Immaculate Conception).
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Pauline chapel |
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Gian Lorenzo Bernini's grave |
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Before the main altar of the church you find the Confession, or reliquary crypt. Both the stairs leading to it and the crypt itself are panelled with rare and magnificent varieties of red Eastern marbles.
The crypt includes the statue of Pope Pius IX (by Ignazio Jacometti) and also a sacred relic of the Holy Crib. The crystal reliquary contains pieces of ancient wood which tradition holds to be part of the manger where Baby Jesus was laid, brought by the pilgrims from the Holy Land.
(Right): statue of Pius IX
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8th December, Immaculate Conception,
the ceremony |
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8th December, Immaculate Conception,
procession |
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On December 8th, a very important ceremony is held on the Immaculate
Conception recurrence.
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Immaculate Conception: the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre |
Normally the Pope attends the ceremony. |
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Immaculate Conception: a Knight of Gregorius Magnus |
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Together
with normal people, in the first rows one can find distinguished
faithfuls: knights of the Holy Sepulchre, knights of Gregorius Magnus,
embassadors to the Holy See etc. The ceremony is not only impressive,
but also quite inspiring, and - whether you are a faithful or not
- quite touching. The music, the choir are excellent, making the
atmosphere most inspiring.
There is also a duty guard in uniform honouring our lady, at the entrance of the church and also in the baptistry, as shown in the left photo. |
Also outside the church you find a kaleidoscopic flocks of people. Ordinary people, priests, notables of townhall, upper-class people in their most elegant robes, poor people and also beggars hoping to have their share of attention in the holy day.
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Outside the church, after the Immaculate Conception ceremony: the VIP notables and the Spanish Embassador
to the Holy See, whom everyone
greets - he is considered the most important diplomat
in Rome because the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was the
first to set foot in Rome
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The blind beggar next to them, whome nobody sees, and about whom
nobody cares |
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