Restoration to begin on important chapel of Marian basilica in Rome

The Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome will begin restoration of its Pauline Chapel, a significant work of early Baroque architecture.

The basilica announced plans to restore the chapel’s artwork in a press release on Nov. 6. The project, set to begin on Nov. 16, is one of several in an extensive conservation campaign. During work, the chapel will be closed to the public for 90 days.

Ceiling of the Pauline Chapel at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major

As one of Rome’s four major basilicas, the basilica is reputed to be the oldest shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Western Hemisphere, built shortly after the Council of Ephesus in A.D. 431, which defined the doctrine of Mary as Mother of God.

The project will also be carried out in collaboration with the Governorate of Vatican City State and will focus on the chapel dome and its surrounding frescoes.

Papal devotion and the ‘Salus Populi Romani’ icon The Pauline Chapel also houses the ancient Marian icon “Salus Populi Romani” (“Salvation of the Roman People”), depicting Mary and the Christ child.

Tradition holds that St. Luke the…