Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is also called the Church of St. Mary beyond the Tiber, is considered the oldest temple of Rome dedicated to the Virgin. The construction of the temple began in 340, and its construction was completed under Pope Julius I. Despite numerous restorations, the church has retained its original appearance.

The church was formed in the XII century under Pope Innocent II. At the same time, the interior was decorated with mosaics made in the Byzantine style. The triumphal arch depicts the symbols of the apostles-evangelists, at the end of the apse – the scene of the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The frieze depicts Christ the Angel surrounded by a flock. During the restoration work carried out in the XVIII century. at the request of Pope Clement VII in front of the facade of the church appeared a high tympan (internal field of the pediment), as well as richly decorated with decorative elements portals.

The interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Transtevere consists of three parts with columns of different sizes and an apse decorated with mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. These elements appeared in the middle of the XII century. Under the mosaic is preserved the inscription in Latin: "He, Child and Eternal Father, as equal to us, as a contemporary was born among us." We believe that myrrh flows from here like the waves of the Tiber.

Near the temple proudly rises bell tower, made in the Romanesque style. For many centuries, the sound of an ancient bell has spread from here.