Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore — also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria della Neve and Basilica Liberiana in the Italian language and Saint Mary Major Basilica in the English language — is one of five churches considered to be the great ancient basilicas of Rome in Italy. The Roman Catholic Church counts among them St. John Lateran, St. Lawrence outside the Walls, St. Peter and St. Paul outside the Walls. Built over the pagan temple of Cybele, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman basilica that retained the core of its original structure, left intact despite several additional construction projects and damage from the earthquake of 1348.

Related Topics:
Italian language - English language - Church - Ancient - Basilica - Rome - Italy - Roman Catholic Church - St. John Lateran - St. Lawrence outside the Walls - St. Peter - St. Paul outside the Walls - Pagan - Temple - Cybele - Earthquake - 1348

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The name of the church reflects two basic ideas. First, the name of the church reflects its importance as a major basilica as opposed to a minor basilica. Second, the name reflects Roman Catholic doctrine of Mary as the true Mother of God. In the Greek language this doctrine is called Theotokos, officially adopted at the Council of Ephesus in 431. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest and most important place of prayer dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Related Topics:
Major basilica - Minor basilica - Greek language - Theotokos - Council of Ephesus - 431

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After the Avignon papacy formally ended and the popes reclaimed the title of Bishop of Rome, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore became a temporary Palace of the Popes. They later moved into the Palace of the Vatican in present-day Vatican City.

Related Topics:
Avignon papacy - Bishop of Rome - Palace of the Popes - Palace of the Vatican - Vatican City

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~