Basilica di Santa Maria Antiqua reopens in Rome after 30-year restoration

The Basilica di Santa Maria Antiqua in Rome, consecrated in the 6th century and buried by an earthquake in 847, has reopened after a three-decade restoration. Rediscovered in 1900 beneath the medieval church of Santa Maria Liberatrice, the basilica was built over a previous imperial structure by Caligula and Domitian. Its frescoes, spanning the 4th to 8th centuries, include a famous 'palimpsest' wall with layered paintings from pagan to Christian eras. Notable decorations date to Pope John VII (705-707) and Pope Zachary (741-752), including a crucifixion with Christ in a colobium. The reopening is celebrated with an exhibition, 'Santa Maria Antiqua tra Roma e Bisanzio,' running until September 11, 2016, curated by Maria Andaloro, Giulia Bordi, and Giuseppe Morganti. The show features the icon of Madonna and Child from Santa Francesca Romana, sculptures of Empress Ariadne and Amalasunta, mosaics from Old St. Peter's, and 3D video installations.