This is the largest church in the world that honours God through Mary. Standing on top of one of Romes seven hills it has a unique character as an early Roman basilica. Todays feast is also known as Our Lady Of The Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother Of God. In affirmation she produced a miraculous midsummer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend is celebrated each year by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the dome every August 5th.