The first known Nativity scene ... in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. The underground Chapel of the Nativity in the Basilica of St. Mary Major — known to Italians as Santa Maria Maggiore ...

Over the next eight centuries, the creche (pronounced cresh), or Nativity scene, would become ... Part of it can be seen at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The creche tradition grew ...

Ancient Rome blends once more with Catholicism at Santa Maria in Trastevere, the neighbourhood’s main church. Look away from the glittering, 13th-century mosaics and you’ll see 22 hulking ...

This year’s scene in St Peter’s Square comes from the diocese of Rieti, not far from Rome, where St Francis of Assisi is believed to have created the first Nativity scene 800 years ago (see ...

He also asked that his “last earthly journey” end at the “very ancient Marian shrine,” of Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major, in Rome ... A sculpted Nativity scene by Arnolfo di ...

ROME – Just as with department ... Also this week, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo launched its 41 st annual exhibit of 11 nativity scenes from around the world, while Vatican personnel ...

In 1291, Pope Nicholas IV, the first Franciscan pope, ordered that a permanent Nativity scene be erected at Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome.

ROME — The first known nativity scene figurines are currently on display in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. The underground Chapel of the Nativity in the Basilica of St. Mary Major — known ...

The first known Nativity scene ... in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. The underground Chapel of the Nativity in the Basilica of St. Mary Major — known to Italians as Santa Maria Maggiore ...