Francesco Corallo Wikipedia

Visiting the Basilica of St Maria Maggiore | Francesco Corallo

The Basilica of St Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's largest Catholic churches and - with the exception of St Peter's Basilica - is one of its most beautiful. It was constructed during the 5th century, at the top of Esquiline hill, and has been restored and redecorated several times over the years.

Today, its exterior features a collection of stunning mosaics, added in the 13th century, along with an ornate baroque loggia, which was designed by the architect Ferdinand Fugo during the 1700s. Unfortunately, this loggia is not always open to the public; as such, if you have your heart set on seeing it, it is best to ring ahead of time and make sure that you can access it on the day you intend to visit.

When first built, the architecture of St Maria Maggiore was distinctly classical in style, with all of the typical Roman features one might expect to see in a building of this kind. However, in the 17th century, a major restoration project resulted in the basilica taking on a far more modern, opulent style, which can still be observed today. It does however, still retain its ancient Roman layout, as well as its original Athenian marble columns.

For Italians like Francesco Corallo, the 5th-century mosaics found inside this church are particularly fascinating; these are the oldest Late Antiquity representations of Jesus' mother, Mary. Of course, the mosaics added several centuries later, such as the Coronation of the Virgin, are equally intriguing. This piece was created by Jacopo Torriti, a Franciscan Friar, during the 1200s.

The high altar, and the baldachin which hangs above it, is perhaps the most visually stunning aspect of the basilica's interior; with a background of gilt cherubs, this part of the building houses a porphyry sarcophagus, which historians believe contains the relics of several martyrs, including St Matthew. A large plaque located on the right-hand side of the altar indicates the spot where Bernini, Italy's most famous architect and sculptor, is buried.

Only the pope himself, or a priest whom he has appointed, is allowed to use this altar. If you would like to attend a mass performed by the pope here, it's best to visit on the 15th of August, as this is when a celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary is held here. Most Italians, includi