Basilica of Saint Mary Major

The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, also known as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, is the largest of the Marian churches in Rome and holds significant importance for the Catholic faith.

Description:
It’s one of the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, a title granted due to its historical, spiritual, and architectural significance.
The basilica showcases a blend of architectural styles due to centuries of additions and restorations, including early Christian, Romanesque (bell tower), and Baroque elements (façade and chapels).
The interior is adorned with stunning 5th-century mosaics in the nave and on the triumphal arch, depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the life of Christ. These are some of the oldest and most important Christian mosaics in Rome.
The coffered ceiling of the nave is gilded with gold believed to be among the first brought back from the Americas.
It houses notable chapels, including the Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the one in the Vatican) and the Borghese Chapel, containing significant artwork and the tombs of several popes.
The basilica’s bell tower is the highest in Rome, standing at 75 meters.

History:
According to tradition, the basilica’s origins date back to the 4th century during the pontificate of Pope Liberius. A legend recounts that the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to both the Pope and a wealthy Roman, instructing them to build a church on the site where snow would miraculously fall on the Esquiline Hill in August.
The present basilica was largely built in the 5th century under Pope Sixtus III, following the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which formally declared Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God). This event significantly elevated the importance of Marian devotion.
Over the centuries, various popes and patrons have added to and embellished the basilica, contributing to its rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Location:

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is located on the Esquiline Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Although situated outside Vatican City, it is owned by the Holy See and is considered one of the extraterritorial properties of the Vatican.
Relevance to the Catholic Faith:

Major Marian Shrine: It is the most significant church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome and one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the Catholic world. Its construction following the Council of Ephesus underscores the Church’s early and strong devotion to Mary as the Mother of God.
Relics: The basilica houses important relics, most notably believed to be fragments of the Holy Crib (manger) in which the infant Jesus was laid. This connection makes it a symbolic “Bethlehem of the West.”

Salus Populi Romani: The basilica is home to the venerated icon of Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People), believed to be an ancient image of the Virgin Mary painted by Saint Luke. This icon has a long history of being invoked for protection and is deeply cherished by the people of Rome and popes alike (Pope Francis is particularly devoted to this icon).

Papal Basilica: As a Papal Basilica, it holds a special status and is historically associated with the Pope. The Pope traditionally presides over certain liturgical celebrations here.

Historical Significance: The basilica has been a place of worship for over 1600 years, witnessing key moments in Church history and the development of Christian art and liturgy. Many popes, saints, and pilgrims have prayed within its walls.
Pope Francis’ Burial Site: Notably, Pope Francis has indicated his wish to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a departure from the tradition of popes being entombed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, further highlighting its personal and religious significance to him.