Rome - Basilica of St Mary Major

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the magnificence of the decoration by the mosaics on the triumphal arch and in the apse, depicting Old and New Testament themes, scenes from the life of the Virgin and a "Coronation of the Virgin" Jacopo Torriti (end of 13th century), the supreme achievement of the art of the Roman mosaic-workers (best light early in the morning). The canopy over the Papal altar is supported on four porphyry columns from Hadrian's villa at Tivoli.

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Rome) on the upper part of the walls, Cosmatesque work in the floor (mid 12th century) and a coffered ceiling by Giuliano da Sangallos (15th century). The Cappella Sistina on the right and the Cappella Paoline on the left are in effect transepts. The Cappella Sistina, built by Domenico Fontana (1584-90) for Pope Sixtus V, contains a bronze tabernacle and the tombs of Sixtus V and his predecessor Pius V. The Cappella Paolina was built for Pope Paul V by Flaminio Ponzo; the richly decorated altarpiece was designed by Girolamo Rainaldi. On the canopied high altar, by Ferdinando Fuga, is a much venerated image of the Virgin (the "Salus Populi Romani"), traditionally attributed to St Luke but in fact a 13th century work.

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where snow fell on the following day (in the month of August!). Snow did fall on the following morning on the Esquiline hill, outlining the plan of a basilica; since then the feast of Our Lady of the Snow has been celebrated on August fifth. Archeological research has been unable to establish, however, whether the church was erected in the fourth or the fifth century.

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roof with the first gold from America; two side chapels, the Cappella Sistina and the Cappella Paoline were added, and between the 16th and 18th centuries the church was surrounded by a whole series of extensions prelates's house.