church of Santa Maria Antiqua

The church of Santa Maria Antiqua, in the Roman Forum, is one of the oldest places of worship dedicated to the Virgin, dating back to the 6th century. Abandoned in 847, it was replaced in 1617 by Santa Maria Liberatrice, demolished in 1899. Originally part of the imperial palaces, the Byzantines used it as a "palatine chapel". Legend has it that Pope Sylvester I killed a "dragon" on the site, symbolizing the pagan cult of Vesta. Damaged by an earthquake in 847, the church was replaced by Santa Maria nova. In the 13th century, a small church was built over the remains, later rebuilt in 1617 as Santa Maria Liberatrice. Subsequent excavations uncovered ancient frescoes, leading to the decision to restore the original church in 1909. Precise restorations, supported by foundations from New York and Oslo, have preserved the frescoes. Reopened to the public in 2012, the church bears witness to the history and art of ancient Rome.