Trip Planner:
Europe
/
Italy
/
Trentino-Alto Adige
/
Province of Trento
/
Trento
/
Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is an important place of worship in the city of Trento, and the site of the Third Session of the Council of Trent. It was built by Antonio Medaglia on the model of the basilica of Sant’Andrea in Mantua, at the wish of the Prince-Archbishop Bernardo Clesio. In November 1973 Pope Paul VI accorded it the status of minor cathedral.
Traditionally, the foundation of the cathedral was attributed to St. Vigilius, the third Bishop of Trento, in the late fourth of early fifth century, but archaeological investigations between 1974 and 1978 and again in 2007–2009 have cast further light on the story of the building. In the Roman period, there were public buildings, including a public baths, on the site where the cathedral was later built. The original cathedral itself was built somewhat later than previously thought, in the late fifth or early sixth century, and had a large space divided into three naves. The chancel of this church, which was still in use towards the end of the tenth and eleventh centuries, contains traces of an opus sectile pavement dating to late antiquity, which was later replaced with a mosaic from the middle of the sixth century.
Between the late eighth and early ninth centuries a number of building works were undertaken on the cathedral, in particular the addition of richly-decorated stone liturgical fittings, including a rood screen and a ciborium. In the late tenth or early eleventh centuries the old church was demolished, and its structure, including the Carolingian fittings, were used as building materials for a new church, smaller than the previous one. It had a semicircular central apse with two side-apses. Add Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore to your Trento travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Trento trip itinerary tool.
Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore reviews
-
Just in the center mof the city. This is one of the most iconic and important churches of the city. Free entrance
Just in the center mof the city. This is one of the most iconic and important churches of the city. Free entrance more »
-
Closes at around midday but finally managed to visit when the huge doors were actually open. Very atmospheric and full of historical importance of course. Beautiful stained glass.
Closes at around midday but finally managed to visit when the huge doors were actually open. Very atmospheric and full of historical importance of course. Beautiful stained glass. more »
-
Very cool church inside and out. Great paintings and statues inside. Loved the pink and white marble
-
Beautiful. This historically significant church is smaller than you might think. A couple of the paintings advice the side altars are lovely, and the modern lectern and altar frontal are exceptional. Other than that, this church has a quiet, almost simple feel that belies it's historical importance as the seat of the Council of Trent
Plan your trip to Trento
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Trento
Side trips from Trento
Hidden gems in Trento
Museums in Trento
Historic Sites in Trento
Trips in Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore by other users
8 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM GERMANY
Genoa
Assisi
San Vito lo Capo
37 days in Italian Alps
BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA
Riva Del Garda
Brunico
Bolzano
42 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Messina
Amalfi
Castelmezzano
5 days in Province of Trento
BY A USER FROM MALTA
Trento
15 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Ravenna
Trento
Sorrento
39 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA
Rome
Assisi
Siena