BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA IN ARACOELI

Located on the site of the ancient citadel, Santa Maria in Aracoeli (literally "Saint Mary of the Altar of Heaven") is one of the most famous churches in Rome. Legend has it that the Sibyl of Tibur predicted the advent of Christ to the emperor Augustus. For this reason, Augustus had an altar built on the spot where he had had the revelation, theara coeli. In the 6th century, a monastery was built on the same site, which was given to the Franciscans in the 13th century. They built this church.
Thanks to its position, next to the Roman senators, the basilica became a high political place. The access is by a staircase of 124 marble steps, offered as an ex-voto to the Virgin to thank her for having spared the city from the plague of 1346. From the terrace of the church, you have probably one of the most beautiful views of the city and especially of the Capitoline square. A tip: come at sunset to enjoy the show!

The entrance to the church is through a side door surmounted by a mosaic representing the Virgin and the Child. It is the work of the Cosmas, a famous family of marble workers active from the 12th to the 14th century, whose works are frequently found in Roman churches of the Middle Ages.
The interior of the basilica is richly decorated. It is the last church to adopt the basilical plan, the nave is lined with 22 ancient columns, from the forum and the Palatine. Look up to admire the superb coffered ceiling. It is an ex-voto, offered by Marcantonio Colonna, commander of the papal fleet at the battle of Lepanto, won against the Turks. Several tombs, including that of Pope Gregory XIII, are found in this church. The 15th century frescoes by the Pinturicchio that decorate the first chapel on the right are dedicated to St. Bernardine of Siena. In the chapel to the left of the choir you can also see a copy of a healing statue. Unfortunately the original, which is the object of a very lively cult, has been stolen. It is the Santo Bambino. This miraculous statue was carved from an olive branch from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and was traditionally carried to the bedside of the sick to ensure their healing. Finally, to the left of the choir, the chapel of Saint Helena contains a curious little circular temple. It was created in the 17th century, around a 12th century altar.