Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome

Santa Maria in Aracoeli (St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven ) was built in 12th century in Romanesque style at the same spot where the ancient temple of Zeus was since the 6th century BC. Unfortunately, it’s closed at noon so we couldn’t see some of its famous frescoes, sculptures, tombs or other items that made by Pinturicchio, Cavallini, Donatelly, Michelangelo (visiting a church in Rome is like visiting a small museum every time). There used to be a statue of baby Jesus that was stolen and now they have a replica there. The original one supposed to have miracle powers.

So, we just took a picture of the stairway (scala d’Aracoeli) with the church at the top (pic 1 shows the simple bare brick façade of the church). The stairway was built in 1348 and there are 124 steps. According to the local legend if you climb up the stairway on your knees you will be forgiven for your sins although we liked the other local legend that claims that you will win the lotary!!! Of course, we didn’t even think to try going up this way :)

It’s open daily 7.00-12.00 and 15.30-18.00

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Thought to have been built on the site of the Roman Temple of Juno Moneta, the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli occupies the summit of the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio). Although the transition from a pagan temple to a church is rather unknown, the Basilica traces its roots to as early as 574 AD when a Byzantine abbey occupied the site. Likely the abbey was expanded and renovated over the centuries to become what we see today, particularly in the 13th century when the Franciscans occupied it and gave it Romanesque features. The interior contains a wide nave with an aisle on either side. The arches between the nave and the isles are supported by Roman columns taken from various ruins and no two are alike. The side chapels are beautifully decorated, especially Cappella Bufalini which boasts stunning 15th century frescoes by Pintoricchio depicting the life of Saint Bernardino. Other artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello have also contributed works to the church. Santa Maria in Aracoeli is also famous for containing the relics of Saint Helena, mother of Constantine.

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“The grandest loafing place of mankind”
— Henry James (1843-1916) his assessment of the 137 steps leading to Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Because it sits on the highest summit of the Capitoline Hill this basilica-styled church was first called Santa Maria in Capitolo. By the 14th century, the Church of the Italian Senate and the Roman people (Senatus Populusque Romanus), had been renamed Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Our Lady of the Altar of Heaven).

A Byzantine abbey, dating from as early as AD 574, forms the foundation of the church. By the 9th century the church had been given to the Benedictines, then by order of the pope to the Franciscans, who operate it today. During the Middle Ages this church was the center of Rome’s religious and civil community. Condemned criminals met their end at the foot of the church’s steps during that period.

Today's stark façade contrasts to the rich mosaics, and later frescoes, that originally decorated it. The relics of Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, are housed here; and Pope Honorius IV is buried in the church.

Start climbing those 124 steps...
Santa Maria in Aracoeli was built on the site of the ancient Roman capital.
It was once a temple for a pagan goddess and then transformed into a church dedicated to the Madonna.
According to a legend, the Emperor Augustus consulted the Tiburtine Sibyl. While she was speaking, the Emperor had a vision: the Virgin was standing on an altar holding the baby Jesus in her arms. Augustsus heard a voice saying: "This is the altar of the Son of God." So the Emperor raised an altar on that place, the Ara Coeli, meaning altar of the heavens.

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A 4th century legend in two versions claims that the Blessed Virgin appeared to the emperor Augustus at this site, on the northern side of the Capitol hill or alternatively that the birth of the Son of God was foretold to the emperor by an oracle here. The stairs leading up to the church are impressing - 124 wide steps steeply ascending the Capitol hill. One of the most interesting things you will find inside is a copy of the statue of Santo Bambino (the 15th century original was made from olive wood from the Garden of Gethsemane), that worked miracles down through the ages and has been known to bring about inexplicable cures. The church gets many letters addressed to the Holy Child, and these are placed before the statue unopened.

Santa Maria in Aercoli is at the top of the Aracoeli Staricase. These 124 marble steps were completed in 1348 to prepare for the Holy Year when pilgrims came to Rome. Many pilgrims go up these stairs on their knees as a sign of pennance.

This church dates from the 6th century A.D., and it stands on the northern summit of the Capitoline, on the site of the ancient temple of Juno. The church of the Roman senators and people, Santa Maria in Aracoeli has been used to celebrate many triumphs over adversity. Its ceiling commemorates the Battle of Lepanto (1571), and was built under Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni, whose family crest, the dragon, can be seen towards the altar end. Look out for Pinturicchio’s magnificent frescoes in the first chapel on the right. Beautiful frescoes are also on the walls of the central nave, alternated with the windows.

Before descending into the Forum, take a peek at Stant Maria in Aracoeli. There is a hard way to get into the Church and a "less hard way". (Either way, you gotta climb some stairs!) From Via del Teatro di Marcello, you can climb the 124 steep stairs to the front door of the stairs. Alternately, walk up the Cordonata, leading to the Capitoline, and catch your breath while you walk across the Campidoglio to the back of Palazzo Nuovo. There you will find a second set of stairs that take you to a side door of the church.

Considering the very stark facade of this 700 year old church, the interior is very very ornate. The 22 stone colonades are said to have been taken from various ancient buildings.