santa maria maggiore
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur of Bergamo, Northern Italy. Constructed in the 12th century, it showcases the Romanesque style of its era, with a Baroque interior that was added in the 17th century. This church, deeply rooted in the city's identity, was built in response to a vow made by the citizens of Bergamo during a plague in 1133, as a plea for protection from the Virgin Mary. Today, it not only serves as a place of worship but also houses the funerary monument of the renowned composer Gaetano Donizetti, reflecting its cultural significance to Bergamo.