Roma - Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore was erected under Pope Sixtus III (432–440) and retains the core of its original structure, despite several alterations, redecorations and additions, especially after the earthquake of 1348 had damaged the basilica. The apse and the transept arms date to the 13th century.

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the first churches built in honour of the Virgin Mary. The building started just after Council of Ephesus (431), which proclaimed Mary Mother of God. It is one of the four Papal Basilicas and one of the seven Pilgrim Churches in Rome.

Stairs run down to the "confessio", a kind of open crypt under the main altar. Here is in a chrystal shrine the basilica´s most valuable relic: a part of the crib.

On the right a marble statue of Pope Pius IX on his knees. Larger than life. He issued the papal bull "Ineffabilis Deus" in 1854, the bull that the "Immaculate Conception" dogmatically".