Page 216 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

214  ROME AREA B Y AREA

5 Santa Maria in Trastevere

Probably the first official Christian place of worship to be built in Rome, this basilica became
the focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary. Accor ding to legend, the church was founded by
Pope Callixtus I in the 3rd century, when Christianity was still a minority cult. Today’s church
is largely a 12th-century building, remarkable for its mosaics, in particular those by Pietro
Cavallini. The 22 granite columns in the nave were taken from the ruins of ancient Roman
buildings. Despite some 18th-century Baroque additions, Santa Maria has retained its
medieval character. This friendly church has strong links with the local community.

Piazza Santa
Maria in
Trastevere
The piazza in front
of the church is the
traditional heart of
Trastevere. Today
it is surrounded
by lively bars and
restaurants. Carlo
Fontana built the
octagonal fountain
in the late
17th century.
. Facade Mosaics
The 12th-century mosaic
shows Mary feeding the baby
Modest Donors Jesus and ten women holding
Many of Rome’s mosaics include a lamps. Eight of the lamps are
portrait of the pope or cardinal lit, symbolizing virginity; the
responsible for the building of the veiled women whose
church. Often the portrait is dwarfed by lamps have gone out
the rest of the picture, which glorifies are probably widows.
the saint to whom the
church is dedicated.
On the facade of
Santa Maria, two
tiny unidentified
figures kneel at
the Virgin’s feet.
Were they to
stand up, the
men would barely
reach her knees.
Facade mosaic, detail

KEY
1 The portico was remodeled
in 1702 by Carlo Fontana. Statues
of four popes decorate the
balustrade above.
2 The bell tower was built in the
12th century. At the top is a small
mosaic of the Virgin.
3 The floor, relaid in the 1870s, is
a re-creation of the Cosmatesque Front entrance
mosaic floor of the 13th century.
4 15th-century wall tabernacle
by Mino del Reame.

US_214-215_EW_Rome_US.indd 214 15/03/17 3:53 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.9)
Date 28th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm