Piazza santa Maria Maggiore
Hours: 7.00am to 7.00pm
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The largest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary dates from the time of Sixtus III (432-40).
Major restorations and changes are from the middle of the 16th century although from the 13th to the 14th centuries the portico was added the campanile (the highest of the roman campaniles) was built and the tribuna enlarged.
Not to be missed are the precious 5th century mosaics (36 panels above the architrave and those in the triumphal arch), the relic of the holy crib, the Sforza Chapel by Michelangelo but built by Giacomo della Porta.
It is said that the gold used for the ceiling was the first brought back from America by Columbus.
Major restorations and changes are from the middle of the 16th century although from the 13th to the 14th centuries the portico was added the campanile (the highest of the roman campaniles) was built and the tribuna enlarged.
Not to be missed are the precious 5th century mosaics (36 panels above the architrave and those in the triumphal arch), the relic of the holy crib, the Sforza Chapel by Michelangelo but built by Giacomo della Porta.
It is said that the gold used for the ceiling was the first brought back from America by Columbus.
