The apse of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Mosaics from the apse The basilica's original apse, dating from the 5th century, was demolished at the end of the 13th century in order to enlarge the church for the Jubilee of 1300.

The mosaics of the new apse were executed by Jacopo Torriti (mid 13th-early 14th century), a Tuscan sculptor, at the request of Pope Nicholas IV and Cardinal Colonna.

The central mosaic, made in 1295 at the expense of Cardinal Giacomo Colonna, depicts the couronnement of the Virgin by her son on a star-filled sky, both surrounded by a glory of eighteen angels.

A colourful mosaic in the purest Byzantine spirit.

In one hand, Christ holds the crown he is about to place on his mother's head and in the other a book on which can be read: “Veni Electa Mea Et Ponam In Te Thronum Meum”

which means: “Come my chosen one and I will put you on my throne.”

Mosaics from the apse of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy

Coronation of the Virgin The Christ and his mother are seated side by side on an equal footing.

To the left of the Virgin are depicted Saint Francis, Saint Paul and Saint Peter, as well as Pope Nicholas IV kneeling.

To the right of Christ stand Saint Anthony, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Evangelist, as well as the cardinal Colonna, depicted in a reduced form, like Pope Nicholas IV.

Beneath the throne is the following inscription: “Maria Virgo assumpta est ad ethereum thalamum in quo Rex Regum stellato sedet solio” and, on the second line, “Exaltata sancta Dei Genitrix super choros angelorum ad celestia regna » or “The Virgin Mary has ascended into heaven where the King of kings sits on his starry throne, and the holy mother of God is exalted among the choir of angels in the celestial realms. ”

Dormition of the Virgin, mosaic in the apse of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy

Dormition of the Virgin Below the mosaic of the Coronation of the Virgin are four other mosaics also by Jacopo Torriti, depicting from left to right, the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Dormition of the Virgin, the Presentation in the Temple and the Adoration of the Magi.

Four bas-reliefs adorn the drum of the apse.

They were carved by Mino da Fiesole (1429-1484) and represent the Nativity, the Snow Miracle, the Assumption of the Virgin and the Adoration of the Magi.

Below the mosaic of the Coronation of the Virgin is a painting by Francesco Mancini (1679-1758), depicting the Birth of Christ.

Coronation of the Virgin

Assumption of the Virgin and Adoration of the Magi by Mino da Fiesole in the apse of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Assumption of the Virgin, Adoration of the Magi

Adoration of the Magi

Birth of Christ