View Article: Santa Maria in Aracoeli

	Santa Maria in Aracoeli
	written by Paul Lang / 07.12.2004

page 1

1 of 1

Location

Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Connection to Research

More important than my visit to the site, was the spent thus far in Rome. In my previous research, the most interesting fact had been the columns. They were taken from many sits around Rome, something I now know to be a frequent occurrence. What has become the most striking feature of the church is its location on Capitoline hill, a distinction that is not evident in my previous research.

Element of Interest

Santa Maria in Aracoeli is no different from most churches in Rome in that it has a holy object. While some churches have relics or famous icons, this church has a doll. Although the miraculous powers of the doll were evident from previous research, the appearance was something that I had not given much thought to. Imagining a baby Jesus carved from wood lent an image of an infant carved of dark colored wood. But, like some many images of the baby Jesus, he is made to look much older than his intended age. He is not a cute infant; most people find his face and likeness unnerving. With a painted face, he is supported upright in a well lit case. Dark eyes and shiny skin remain focused on the petitioner who can withstand his gaze long enough to ask a favor.

Questions

On visiting the churches around Rome, the question whether or not most places in Rome are built with recycled materials is a clear and distinct "yes". Any source of materials was exploited whenever possible. Even the Coliseum was taken apart for re-use until the 19th century. Although many of the churches re using ancient columns are themselves more than a thousand years old, their structures are dependent on the technology of an even earlier age.

Image Analysis

Santa Maria in Aracoeli Stairs

The plain facade of the church is evident when compared with the modern structure of the capitol building

Santa Maria in Aracoeli has an unusually plain facade for its time period and importance. This view shows nothing of the church, if one were to see it without a title, it may be assumed to be in Rome because of the columns of its neighboring building. Perhaps that would lead someone to see it as an old building, but certainly not an important church of Rome. Rome itself has grown around it; the traffic on the busy streets at the bottom of the steps is not evident.

[ Multi-Page View ] [ Back to top ]