Maria Salus Populi Romani

Spectacular

The Golden Madonnina of Monte Mario is twice the size of Milan, it is 9 metres high with an 18 metre pedestal, the statue of Mary "Salus populi romani", is the one that from the highest point of Monte Mario watches over and protects Rome and the world, the work of the artist Arrigo Minerbi.

I need to catch up on an old review, and I'm amazed there aren't any. But this is a symbol of Rome! For nearly eighty years, the large golden statue of the Madonnina has dominated Rome from atop Monte Mario. Its presence is linked to a promise made by Roman citizens during World War II: over a million people signed an appeal calling for the liberation of the city. After the end of the conflict in 1944, the statue was placed on the hill as a sign of thanksgiving. Even today, this promise is remembered every year with the Festa della Madonnina, which takes place on the evening of June 3rd. The celebration begins with a short procession from the Don Orione Center on Via della Camilluccia to the statue's square. Mass is celebrated there, followed by a moment of commemoration of the war and the liberation of Rome, with the laying of a wreath of roses at the foot of the Madonnina. The celebration then continues with food and music, transforming the event into a popular gathering open to all. The Madonna appeared on the highest point of Monte Mario on Easter morning, April 5, 1953. The work was created by the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi, of Jewish origin, who during the racial persecution had been protected and supported by the Orionine community of the Appio neighborhood (hesitant, he decided to draw inspiration for the face from the features of the Holy Shroud). The statue measures 9 meters tall and stands on an 18-meter-high base. Over time, it has become one of the most important symbols of twentieth-century Rome. Its construction represents the fulfillment of a popular vow promoted by the Orionine Congregation and supported by Pope Pius XII during the war years. Rome was liberated on June 4, 1944, quickly and without fighting: the German army left the city and the Allied army entered without conflict. This event, documented by historical facts, deeply affected the citizens, who interpreted the peaceful liberation as a sign of special protection from the Madonna. The promise made to the Madonna was linked to two concrete actions: the creation of a place of worship and a work of assistance for the most vulnerable. For this reason, already during the war, the Congregation cared for orphans and disabled children in the buildings on Via della Camilluccia, which had remained unused after the end of the Fascist regime. Only later was it possible to build the large statue dedicated to Mary, invoked as the "Salvation of the Roman People." Unlucky but tenacious, it has been damaged several times by the elements, but has been restored and reinstated each time, illuminating the nights of northern Rome. Many confuse it with the statue of the Redeemer located near Termini Station. Absolutely worth a visit if you have the opportunity; it can be reached from the beginning of Via della Camilluccia, behind the Don Orione. Need some useful info? Then leave a like and check out my other reviews of Rome and beyond.