From Tourist to Pilgrim - Ep. 18: The Holy Crib

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is filled with many chapels, which range from extremely ornate to humble.

Built by popes, cardinals and pious confraternities, their ancient mosaics tell the history of salvation.

The Baptistry and the relic of the Holy Crib, in which Jesus was laid in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem, complete the ensemble of splendors contained within the Marian Basilica's walls.

Each column, painting, sculpture, and ornament of this Basilica resounds with history and the prayers of our forebearers, as explained by Andreas Raub, Artistic-Scientific Director of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.