Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
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Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, in Trastevere zone.
It was probably built in the early fourth century, although legend states that it was founded by Pope Callixtus I (whose remains are buried under the altar) in the 3rd century. The body of this Romanesque church dates from the 1100s. The 22 granite columns in the nave came from the ruins of ancient Roman buildings.
Inside the church are a number of mosaics by Pietro Cavallini on the subject of the Life of the Virgin (1291), as well as a fresco by Domenichino, Assumption of the Virgin. The facade of the church was restored by Carlo Fontana in 1702. The octagonal fountain in the piazza in front of the church (Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere) was also restored by Carlo Fontana in the 17th century.
The church keeps a relic of Saint Apollonia, her head, as well as a portion of the Holy Sponge. Among those buried in the church, the relics of Pope Callixtus I and the body of Lorenzo Cardinal Campeggio.
Józef Glemp is the Cardinal Priest of the Title of S. Mariae trans Tiberim.