Explore the historic highlights of Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany
1744
Potsdam, Germany
1763-1769
Potsdam, Germany
1771-1775
Potsdam, Germany
1845
Potsdam, Germany
1851-1864
Potsdam, Germany
1914-1917
Potsdam, Germany
1847-1863
Potsdam, Germany
1829-1840
Potsdam, Germany
1826-1829
Potsdam, Germany
1835-1849
Potsdam, Germany
1787-1792
Potsdam, Germany
1844
Potsdam, Germany
1858-1861
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.
The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.