Cathedral of Santa Maria in Domnica, Rome
Most probably founded in the VII century, the paleochristian Basilica di Santa Maria in Domnica in Rome stands on one of the highest points in the Celio district.
It is also known as “chiesa della Navicella” – or “church near the little ship” – on account of the 16th century replica of the Roman ship fountain in front of its portico.
The apse is decorated with a wonderful mosaic of The Virgin with Child by 9th century Byzantine. The work's colours and brilliance remain unaltered to this very day.
The mosaic depicts the Virgin with Child and angels in a garden of Paradise. Pope Paschal I kneels at Maria’s feet with the square halo of the living on his head.
There are also other mosaics and frescoes and the wonderful inlaid wood ceiling commissioned by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici in the sixteenth century, is in itself a work of art.
Basilica Parrocchiale di Santa Maria in Domnica
Via della Navicella, 10
00184 Rome
Italy
