Santa Maria in Trastevere
Santa Maria in Trastevere is located in the old town of the Italian capital. The temple building is the very first basilica dedicated to the Mother of God. The facade of the building is decorated with a fresco depicting the legend of the virgins and Mary, and the infant Jesus. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.
History of origin
Santa Maria in Trastevere may have been the first Christian building in the capital. According to legend, the construction was commissioned by the pontiff Callisto in the third century. The construction was completed by St. Julius. Subsequently, the basilica was restored and decorated more than once. The basilica is considered the oldest church in the Italian capital. Pope Innocent ordered the church to be rebuilt in the early 12th century. For the construction of the basilica, stone was taken from the ruins of the baths of Caracalla. Soon Innocent II's rival died, and the new Pope ascended the throne alone.
The restoration of the church was an important event for Pope Innocent 2. By doing so, he consolidated his power. The renovation of the church was a symbol of the new Pope. After the restoration of the temple, Innocent II erased the memory of his rival.
In the middle of the 19th century, extensive restoration work was carried out in Santa Maria in Trastevere. Unfortunately, some archaeological treasures were irretrievably damaged and lost during these works.
List of attractions
- San Crisogono. While hiking in Trastevere, you can admire the beauty of the Basilica of San Crisogono, the basilica also has examples of decorations from the ancient period. The mosaic looks great in the cosmetesco style. The gilded aspid adds grace to the interior of the basilica. The remains of the Patron Saint rest here. The walls inside are decorated with fragments of frescoes, and the ceiling is made of black gold. In the middle is the painting "Saint Chrysogono in glory."
- Santa Maria in Trastevere. This is an early Christian church. Historians claim that the basilica is the oldest in the Italian capital. In our time, an updated version of the basilica has been preserved. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the patroness of the temple. Everything breathes Romanesque architecture: the arches and the high colonnade. The interior of the church of Santa Maria in Trastever surprises with an extraordinary combination of antiquity and medieval culture. Tourists are attracted by the mosaic of the dome. The baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary stand out on a golden background. The wooden panels are gilded and shaped like stars and crosses.
- The lobby. When entering the temple through a door located on the side, tourists enter a small room, which is the lower floor of the bell tower. There are carved marble slabs and a large wooden crucifix.
The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere can be seen in Italy during a walk through Trastevere. Tourists have a lot to see in the Italian capital. Visiting the attraction will leave a vivid impression during the trip.
