Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Minor basilica on Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy.
Santa Maria in Aracoeli is a Romanesque and Gothic basilica on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. It measures approximately 262 feet (80 m) in length and 148 feet (45 m) in width, and it spans three naves separated by twenty-two reused ancient columns.
In the 6th century, a Byzantine monastery was established on this site and entrusted to Greek monks. In 1250, the pope transferred its administration to the Franciscan order, which shaped the present architecture.
The church stands on the site where, according to medieval belief, a Roman altar to the Queen of Heaven once stood, giving rise to the name Aracoeli. Franciscan friars inhabit the adjoining monastery and maintain the tradition of services attended daily by Romans and pilgrims.
Access is either by the long outdoor stairway from Piazza d'Aracoeli or by the ramp beside the Senatorial Palace. Those avoiding stairs can use the gentler route from the Capitoline Square.
The wooden barrel vault ceiling displays paintings commemorating the naval victory at Lepanto in the 16th century. Visitors often notice the varied styles of the reused columns, sourced from different Roman temples.
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