Basilica of St. Mary Major

Introduction

During the pontificate of Liberius, the Roman patrician John and his wife, who were without heirs, made a vow to donate their possessions to the Virgin Mary. They prayed that she might make known to them how they were to dispose of their property in her honour. On 5 August, at the height of the Roman summer, snow fell during the night on the summit of the Esquiline Hill. In obedience to a vision of the Virgin Mary which they had the same night, the couple built a basilica in honour of Mary on the very spot which was covered with snow.

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1.	Apse
2.	Nave 1
3.	Nave 2
4.	Baptistery
5.	Borghese Chapel
6.	Chapel
7.	Exterior
8.	Loggia