Santa Maria Maggiore

Originally built in the 5th Century, Santa Maria Maggiore has the opulence which is characteristic of the four major Vatican Basilicas of Rome.

The rococo facade of Santa Maria Maggiore has a lot to look at. The columns above are Corinthian, and the columns below are Ionic (I think). The 14th-Century bell tower is Gothic, and the 13th-Century mosaics are a medieval form or art. Mosaic art typically depicts figures in icon form, lacking the perspective and realism of later art, but are nonetheless spectacular in their own way.

The altar canopy, like that in St. Peter’s Basilica is baroque. However, the canopy in St Peter’s Basilica has twisting Jerusalem Columns.

The 13th-Century Apse mosaic depicts Mary being crowned by Jesus, but the mosaics on the arch above date to the 5th-Century.

The Basilica’s general Classical, 5th-Century architectural style is apparent in the nave. And the mosaics, which also date from the 5th-Century, depict stories from the Old Testament. However, the 15th-Century ceiling is gilded and coffered in Renaissance style.