Santa Maria Maggiore: A Jubilee Door to Divine Grace

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, stands as a beacon of faith, art, and history. Known for its breathtaking mosaics and its status as a major pilgrimage site, this basilica holds one of the Holy Doors opened during the Jubilee Year.

A Jewel of Devotion

Santa Maria Maggiore was constructed in the 5th century, shortly after the Council of Ephesus proclaimed Mary as the Mother of God. Its foundation is tied to a miraculous event: according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Liberius and a Roman patrician, instructing them to build a church where snow would fall in August. Remarkably, snow was said to have blanketed the Esquiline Hill on August 5th, marking the site of the future basilica.

Over centuries, the basilica has been enriched with stunning works of art, including its 5th-century mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the life of Christ. The Borghese Chapel, added in the 17th century, houses the venerated icon of Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People), a centerpiece of Marian devotion.

The Holy Door

The Holy Door at Santa Maria Maggiore is a portal of spiritual renewal. Opened during each Jubilee Year, it symbolizes the faithful’s passage into grace and redemption. Pilgrims who cross this threshold partake in a tradition dating back centuries, experiencing the mercy and blessings associated with this sacred act.

Travertine in the Architecture

The grand façade of Santa Maria Maggiore, redesigned by Ferdinando Fuga in the 18th century, is richly adorned with travertine, a hallmark of Roman construction. The beautiful Bernini’s staircase is an example of the use of travertine stone in this Papal Basilica.

The material’s timeless beauty underscores the basilica’s connection to Rome’s enduring legacy, creating a harmonious blend of natural elegance and sacred purpose.