Santa Maria Maggiore, Early Christian church in Ravenna, Italy
Santa Maria Maggiore is an Early Christian church in Ravenna featuring a cylindrical bell tower dating to the 9th century. Its interior is defined by sixteen marble columns supporting three naves arranged in a basilica layout.
The original structure was commissioned by Bishop Ecclesius between 522 and 533. A major rebuilding by architect Pietro Grossi took place in 1671, preserving its Early Christian foundation.
The interior displays works by Renaissance painters like Luca Longhi and Giovanni Battista Barbiani, alongside Greek marble altars and ancient sarcophagi that speak to its artistic heritage.
The church stands near other important religious buildings in Ravenna, including the Basilica of San Vitale and the National Museum. Visitors can easily combine a visit with nearby landmarks in the same area.
The right nave holds a 15th-16th century fresco of the Madonna and contains the tomb of architect Camillo Morigia from 1743-1795. This lesser-visited corner preserves local history and artwork that many travelers miss.
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