Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Altar in Heaven (Latin: Basilica Sanctae Mariae de Ara Cœli in Capitolio, Italian: Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Cœli al Campidoglio) is a titular basilica in Rome, located on the highest summit of the Campidoglio. It is still the designated church of the city council of Rome, which uses the ancient title of Senatus Populusque Romanus. The present cardinal priest of the Titulus Sanctae Mariae de Aracoeli is Salvatore De Giorgi.
| Basilica of Saint Mary of the Altar in Heaven | |
|---|---|
Façade of the Basilica with the monumental staircase | |
Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| 41°53′38″N 12°29′00″E | |
| Location | Scala dell'Arce Capitolina 12 Rome |
| Country | Italy |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Website | Official Website |
| History | |
| Status | Minor basilica titular church regional church |
| Dedication | Mary, mother of Jesus |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Romanesque, Gothic |
| Completed | 12th century |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 80 metres (260 ft) |
| Width | 45 metres (148 ft) |
| Nave width | 20 metres (66 ft) |
| Clergy | |
| Cardinal protector | Salvatore De Giorgi |
The shrine is known for housing relics belonging to Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, various minor relics from the Holy Sepulchre, both the pontifically crowned images of Nostra Signora di Mano di Oro di Aracoeli (1636) on the high altar and the Santo Bambino of Aracoeli (1897).