Italy 2012: Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere, Rome

Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere

The first Basilica we visited was the first church ever dedicated to Mother Mary and the first church in which mass was openly celebrated, the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere.

The dome of the church has art by Antonio Gherardi. Our guide, Father Paolo, stressed that this is unique as it is one of the rare works wherein the Mother Mary is seated beside Jesus. 

  

Even more striking is the ceiling, which is gilded or has golden borders. In the center is an artwork of the Assumption by artist Domenico Zampieri or Domenichino (1581-1641), an Italian Baroque painter.

Even the lectors have this instead of the ordinary rostrum.

To the left of the altar is a smaller chapel designed by Martino Longhi the Elder, an Italian architect. This chapel boats of an equally amazing ceiling, the Altemps Chapel. Here there is the Madonna of Mercy, a 7th century icon depicting the Madonna and Child between two angels. This chapel was installed to commemorate the Council of Trent. 

Altar of the Altemps Chapel

Mother Mary with 2 angels

Council of Trent

We visited the Sistine Chapel a few days later but this chapel to me was just as impressive. A breathtaking first view of the churches of Rome.

For more details on the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere, see: http://romanchurches.wikia.com/wiki/Santa_Maria_in_Trastevere.