The Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is one of the city's four major basilicas and a venerable landmark steeped in centuries of Christian history. This church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is renowned for its art and architecture that span multiple eras from late antiquity through the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It was originally founded in the 4th century, making it one of the earliest churches dedicated to Mary in Rome. Throughout the centuries, Santa Maria Maggiore has been a site of pilgrimage and devotion.

The basilica is famed for its stunning 5th-century mosaics that adorn the nave, triumphal arch, and apse, showcasing biblical scenes and early Christian iconography with remarkable detail and vibrant colors. These mosaics are among the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary in Christian art.