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Of all the great Roman Churches and basilicas the Church of St Mary Major Rome enjoys the most successful blend of different architectural styles. Its colonnaded triple nave is part of the original 5th Century building. The Cosmatesque marble floor and delightful Romanesque bell tower, with its blue ceramic roundels, are from the medieval period.
The Renaissance saw a new coffered ceiling, and the baroque gave the church twin domes and its most imposing front and rear facades. The mosaics are St Mary Major's most famous feature. From the 5th century come the biblical scenes in the nave and the spectacular mosaics on the triumphal arch. Medieval highlights include a 13th century enthroned Christ in the loggia. Today, the church remains one of Rome's most fascinating churches and is well worth a visit. |
