Santa Maria Maggiore and the Miracle of the Snows

During the night of 5th of August 352 a.D, legend claims that both Pope Liberius and the roman patrician John had the same dream: both saw the Virgin Mary, who they had both vowed to donate their possessions to, and told them to build a basilica in a location that she would have miraculously indicated.

That very same morning, in the middle of the hot roman summer, snow fell upon the city of Rome, on the summit of the Esquiline Hill. Obeying their vision, the two built a basilica on top of the very spot that had been covered by snow, and it would come to be named Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), or the Liberian Basilica, dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow.

Every day on the 5th of August, the miracle of the snow is celebrated, and during the celebration of the Mass and during the second Vespers white rose petals are made to fall from the dome to symbolize the snowfall.

Santa Maria Maggiore is one the four great churches of Rome, the four most important basilicas in the Catholic faith. Among them, it is the only one to retain its Paleochristian structure, enhanced by later works, and hosts a great variety of impressive artwork. In its museum, the Polo Museale Liberiano, one of the most ancient sculptures of nativity is found amidst impressive works of art and architecture.

Santa Maria Maggiore is just a few minutes away from Hotel Amalfi and is open every day between 7:00 and 19:00, and the Polo Museale is open between 9:30 and 18:00 on every day except Sundays. Guided tours can be reserved, and audio tours are available. If you would like to know more about this topic, feel free to contact our staff or to ask our virtual concierge Vertumno.