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Santa María la Maggiore, Rome, Italy

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Poster: Icarusfree  (see this users gallery)
Views: 2314
Date: Wed Sep 8, 2004
Filesize: 322.5k, 153.9k
Dimensions: 900 x 600
Description: This church is Rome's major or principal church dedicated to Saint Mary. The first church was founded c. 350 by Pope Liberius, and Pope Sixtus III had it restored, or more likely rebuilt, to commemorate the declaration of St Mary's Divine Motherhood by the Council of Ephesus in 432. The church was damaged in the earthquake of 1348, and restored some years later.
The Romanesque bell-tower is the highest in Rome with its 75 metres. It was rebuilt 1370-1378 on older foundations. The pyramidal spire was added in the 16th century.
The façade was designed in 1743 by Ferdinando Fuga. He used a strong chiaroscuro effect, a play on light and shadows. The gilded angels on top of the loggia are by Pietro Bracci, made in 1749. They were originally placed on the canopy, but where moved here. The mosaic behind the façade is from the 14th century, by Filippo Rusuti. To the sides of the central images are Our Lady, Apostles and saints. Closest to Christ are Our Lady on the left, and Saint John on the right.
On the right side of the portico is the Holy Door, which is only open during Jubilee Years. The dedicatory inscription from the reign of Pope Eugenius III has been moved to the outside wall of the sacristy, and is well preserved.
The obelisk was originally built as part of the mausoleum of the Emperor Augustus.
Keywords: Rome, Italy, Cityscape, Landmark
Photo URL: http://www.bytegallery.com/data/3185/4webRomaSantaMariaMaggiore02-med.jpg

File name: webRomaSantaMariaMaggiore02.jpg File size: 157581 bytes
File date: 2004:09:08 17:33:27 Camera make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 10D Date/Time: 2004:06:04 05:58:42
Resolution: 900 x 600 Flash used: No
Focal length: 28.0mm (35mm equivalent: 152mm) CCD width: 6.64mm
Exposure time: 0.0040 s (1/250) Aperture: f/10.0
ISO equiv.: 400 Metering Mode: matrix
Jpeg process: Baseline