Snow Fell in This Church in the Middle of Summer in Rome

Yes, if the Catholics have to be believed, snow fell in this church in the middle of summer in Rome. But, first, let me clarify: the snowing happened first before the church was built. Not the other way around. Here’s the story in brief.

Legend has it that a rich couple with no heirs made a promise that they’d donate all their properties to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of course, they prayed to Her, hoping that She would give them a vision of how their wealth will be spent or disposed.

In the middle of summer season in Rome, snow fell on the peak of Esquiline Hill – at night. 

Snow Fell in This Church in the Middle of Summer in Rome (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore / Rome, Italy).

And on that same night, too, the couple had a vision on how to dispose of their wealth. 

Snow Fell in This Church in the Middle of Summer in Rome (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore / Rome, Italy).

They decided to build the Basilica in honour of the Mother of God. 

Snow Fell in This Church in the Middle of Summer in Rome (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore / Rome, Italy).

Today, it is known as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s also known as Our lady of Snows. 

Snow Fell in This Church in the Middle of Summer in Rome (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore / Rome, Italy).

My Lonely Planet Guidebook says that, inside, you’ll find the exact place where the snow fell. I wasn’t able to go inside this basilica because it was closed today. Or maybe, I just couldn’t find the entrance? LOL… 😀 😀 😀

Snow Fell in This Church in the Middle of Summer in Rome (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore / Rome, Italy).

And here’s the thing – this story was never mentioned until a few hundred years later. The story was published in the Catholic Encyclopedia in 1911.

Now, you be the judge: Is the story true or false? Choose your hashtag: #FakeNews or #SoTrue 😀

If you’re intrigued, there’s more of this legend here.

Where to stay in Rome – Hostel in Rome

If your looking for a hostel that’s near the Roma Termini (Rome Main Train Station), stay at Hostel Alessandro Palace and Bar. It’s 5 minutes walk to the train station. Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum are 30 minutes walk from the hostel. There are some restaurants around and it’s a pretty safe area. The hostel is clean and has a rooftop bar.

If you don’t like hostels, there are hotels you can choose from these websites: HostelWorld and Booking.com.