ITALY - VATICAN - PIUS IX 1846 - 1878 - Lot 366

ITALY - VATICAN - PIUS IX 1846 - 1878 PIVS IX PONT MAX AN XXVII. His bust on the left. R/. Perspective view of the Sistine Chapel of Santa Maria Maggiore. In the exergue, SACELLVM - XYSTIN - IN - BASIL - LIB - OPERIB - RENOVATIS - EXVLTVM -A -MDCCCLXXI Engraver's signature I. BIANCHI F. on obverse and reverse. ♦ Bartolotti E 872 Silver medal year XXVII 1872 (34.72 g) Ø 43.82 mm Superb. Restoration of the Sistine Chapel of Santa Maria Maggiore The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's four major basilicas, located in the Piazza dell'Esquilino at the top of the Esquilino hill, at the summit of the Cispio, between the Monti and the Esquilino. It is the only basilica in Rome to have preserved its original early Christian structure, albeit enriched by later additions. It is the largest monument and oldest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Since 1999, the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate have been in charge of its animation and pastoral care.