The Column of The Immaculate Conception - Rome
I was looking back on my trip to Rome from last year this morning and ran across this wonderful column. I decided to research and write this article.
The column is located in central Rome near to the Spanish Steps, which you have probably heard of before, for it is a major tourist attraction. The column was erected in 1857 with a statue of the Virgin Mary on top by Giuseppe Obici. Difficult to see from my photos but she has a halo around her.
The column is topped with a statue of Mary.
The column is approximately 40 feet tall and is made of marble. The column was originally sculpted in Ancient Rome and was discovered nearby while building a monastery. The column was never used and was discovered incomplete. It is completed now completed in the Corinthian style. I found it to be a very beautiful attraction.
Another shot of the column under a very hot October sun
Since 1953 Popes have visited the column on December, 8 to place white roses on the monument. This is on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which kicks off the Christmas season.
In addition to the Papal visit, it is an important date for the Firefighters of Italy. When the monument was erected, local firefighters assisted and have adopted the monument. The chief firefighting officer places a bouquet of flowers that reads “Flammas domamus, donamus Corda” which translates to “We stop fires, giving our hearts” . There is a fire truck with ladder that places the bouquet in the the arms of the statue on top. There is also a bouquet with the initials SPQR placed at the base which is the ancient, SENATE AND PEOPLE OF ROME.
There are four figures around the base of the column that told of the Virgin’s calling in the Bible. They are King David, Ezekiel, Moses and Isaiah. Unfortunately I only got a close up shot of David.
Close up of David playing his ever present harp.
If you are heading to the Spanish Embassy for any reason it is really close. It is in a very safe part of the city, as are most of the attractions. Put it on your list of things to pop in on.
