Explore the historic highlights of Pavia
Pavia, Italy
1488
Pavia, Italy
1773
Pavia, Italy
1360
Pavia, Italy
1374-1461
Pavia, Italy
11th century
Pavia, Italy
1500-1507
Pavia, Italy
1132
Pavia, Italy
8th century AD
Pavia, Italy
12th century
Pavia, Italy
11th century
Pavia, Italy
1325
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.