Saint Mary Major
The oldest Marian church in Rome
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is considered a testament to early Christian architecture. It belongs to the extraterritorial property of the Holy See, meaning it is located outside Vatican City, near Rome's main train station. Construction began in 432 AD during the pontificate of Pope Coelestin I. It was consecrated to the Virgin Mary by Pope Sixtus III in 434, making it the oldest Marian church in Rome.
The coffered ceiling of the church dates from the 16th century. It is said to be decorated with gold, which Christopher Columbus brought back from the New World and was given to Pope Alexander VI by the Spanish Queen Isabella of Castile. The main façade of the church was designed by Ferdinando Fuga in the 18th century. At 75 meters, the bell tower is the tallest in Rome.
Holy Crib and Marian icon
The basilica is known for its chapels with important relics. The Crypt of the Nativity under the papal altar houses the Holy Crib: a crystal and silver reliquary by Giuseppe Valadier contains pieces of wood said to come from the original manger of Jesus Christ. Another object of veneration is the Marian icon ‘Salus populi Romani’ (‘Protectress of the Roman people’) in the Cappella Paolina. The Byzantine work of art probably came to Rome in 590 AD under Pope Gregory the Great and is considered the most important Roman icon of the Virgin Mary.
Facts
- Latin name: Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris
- Location: Piazza dell'Esquilino, Rome
- Built: 432 AD – 1743
- Consecrated: 434 (by Pope Sixtus III)
- Dedication: Virgin Mary, Saint Jerome
Important relics/works of art: Holy Crib, Marian icon ‘Salus populi Romani’
Saint Mary Major Folding Card
This unique souvenir note from the Anno Santo Series is dedicated to Santa Maria Maggiore. It is printed on genuine security paper and features a gold foil patch, UV ink and haptic elements. The front side depicts the basilica, while the back side shows the reliquary of the Holy Crib housed at Santa Maria Maggiore. Under UV light, one of the relief panels from the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica appears on each side. The notes in the Anno Santo Series are available in individual folding cards as well as in a multi-page booklet featuring the entire series.
1,000 Lire
Obverse: Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Marian icon “Salus populi Romani” (Protectress of the Roman people), stylized shell
Reverse: Holy Crib in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, signature of Pope Boniface VIII, stylized dove
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
