Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major papal basilicas. Sometimes referred to as Our Lady of the Snows, it is the largest Marian church in Rome and regarded as the mother of all Roman Catholic sanctuaries. The basilica houses one of the most important Marian icons, the Salus Populi Romani, traditionally attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of painters. Seven popes as well as Bernini are entombed in the basilica. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero highlights the importance of Santa Maria Maggiore through its history, architecture, and works of art.
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