Santa Maria Maggiore
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The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary the Great, also informally known as the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, is a Roman Catholic Papal Basilica and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. The largest Mar
Façade of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore facing the Piazza
The Blessed Virgin Mary overlooking Pope Liberius scrapes the outline of the foundation of the basilica into the snow. By Italian artist Masolino da Panicale, circa 15th century, Museo di Capodimonte.
The Piazza and Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, by Giovanni Paolo Panini
One of the earliest photographs of Santa Maria Maggiore, taken by French photographer Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey in 1842
Basilicas are Catholic church buildings that have a designation, conferring special privileges, given by the pope. Basilicas are distinguished for ceremonial purposes from other churches. The building
Santa Maria Maggiore
…only be honored with the title of basilica by apostolic grant or from immemorial custom. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four that hold the title of "major basilica". The other three are the basilicas of St. John in the Lateran, St. Peter, and St. Paul outside the Walls. The title of major basilica was once used…
Conopaeum (left), tintinnabulum (right), and a papal chair (middle), one of the privileges granted to a basilica
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran 41°53′09″N 12°30′22″E / 41.88583°N 12.50611°E / 41.88583; 12.50611
St. Peter's Basilica 41°54′8″N 12°27′12″E / 41.90222°N 12.45333°E / 41.90222; 12.45333
Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls 41°51′31″N 12°28′38″E / 41.85861°N 12.47722°E / 41.85861; 12.47722