Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
A twentieth-century minor basilica in Rome’s Tuscolano district, designed by architects Nicola Mosso and Giulio Valotti and consecrated in 1936 by cardinals who would shape the Church’s future.
At a glance
The Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice stands in Piazza di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in the Tuscolano neighbourhood. Built between 1931 and 1936, it was established as a parish by apostolic constitution under Pope Pius XI and entrusted to the Salesian order. The church gained the status of minor basilica in April 1969.
History
Construction began in 1931 on land in the developing Tuscolano district. The basilica received its parish status on 25 March 1932 through the apostolic constitution Inter pastoralis. On the morning of 17 May 1936, Cardinal Francesco Marchetti Selvaggiani, vicar general of Rome’s diocese, performed the consecration; that afternoon, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, then secretary of state and future Pope Pius XII, presided over the closing rite. Don Salvatore Rotolo, the church’s first parish priest, served from its inception and was later elevated to titular bishop of Nazianzo before becoming prelate nullius of Altamura and Acquaviva delle Fonti. He was buried within the basilica following his death in 1969. Since 1967, the church has held the rank of titular church of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in via Tuscolana.
What you see
Architects Nicola Mosso and Giulio Valotti designed the basilica in the architectural language of early twentieth-century Rome. The church reflects the institutional ambitions of the Salesian order during the interwar period, embodying both spiritual purpose and civic presence in an expanding urban neighbourhood.
Cultural significance
The basilica represents a moment of institutional growth within the Catholic Church during the early 1930s. Its consecration by two prominent cardinals—one the reigning pope’s vicar and the other his secretary of state and future pontiff—underscores its ecclesiastical importance. The church remains a focal point for the Salesian community and the Tuscolano parish.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, 54, 00181 Roma
- Coordinates: 41.8743313, 12.5300753
- Architects: Nicola Mosso and Giulio Valotti
- Completed: 1936
- Consecrated: 17 May 1936
- Status: Minor basilica (since April 1969)
- Website: http://www.ausiliatriceroma.it/
- Phone: 06 782 7892
Practical information
The basilica is open to the public for worship and visits. Hours of operation and guided tours are available through the parish office or official website.
Getting there
The basilica is located in the Tuscolano district of Rome, accessible by public transport. Visit the official website or call 06 782 7892 for detailed directions and current opening hours.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →Historical events at this place (1)
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