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The Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is an ancient basilica crowning the Capitoline Hill, known for its artwork and historic relics.
The Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is an ancient basilica crowning the Capitoline Hill, known for its artwork and historic relics. A steep 124 step marble stairway leads to the Romanesque church with an unfinished brick façade. In contrast to the austere exterior, the rich interior has beautiful frescoes, coffered wooden gilt ceiling and Cosmatesque flooring with tomb slabs.
The highlight of the basilica is the 15th century statue (replica) of the Santo Bambino of Aracoeli, carved in olive wood coming from the Gethsemane garden by a Franciscan monk and covered with valuable ex-votos. Believed to have miraculous healing powers, it was stolen in 1994 and substituted with a replica. It plays a significant role in Christmas ceremony, when it is brought to the Baroque throne of the high altar at midnight and paraded to the Nativity crib in the left nave where it stays till Epiphany.
The basilica houses relics of Saint Helena - mother of Constantine the Great, remains of Saint Juniper - one of the original followers of Saint Francis of Assisi and the tablet monogrammed with Jesus used by Saint Bernardino of Siena to preach.
Among the works of art in the church are a series of 15th century Pinturicchio frescoes in the Bufalini Chapel illustrating the life of St Bernadine of Siena, motifs on the ceiling commemorating the Battle of Lepanto, Transfiguration painting by Girolamo Siciolante da Sermoneta, the tombstone of Giovanni Crivelli by Donatello, the tomb of Cecchino dei Bracci designed by Michelangelo, fresco of Madonna and Child in the Chapel of Our Lady Refuge of Sinners, a Gothic sepulchral monument by Arnolfo di Cambio, and works by other artists like Pietro Cavallini, Benozzo Gozzoli and Giulio Romano.
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Scala dell'Arcicapitolina, 12, 00186 Roma, Italy
+39 06 6976 3839
On top of the Capitol hill, the piazza was designed by Michelangelo
Towering over the skyline of the Vatican City, the Basilica of Saint Peter is one of the largest and most renowned churches in the world
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