SALA DELL'IMMACOLATA
In this first room of the Borgia Tower, we can admire a Roman mosaic, straight from Ostia.
This is the first room of the Borgia Tower that the visitor crosses. You will see a Roman mosaic, straight from Ostia and purchased to decorate this room. But the room of the Immaculate Conception is best known for the remarkable frescoes by Francesco Podesti that adorn its walls. They were made between 1856 and 1865 on the occasion of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, on December 8, 1854, by the bull Inefabillis Deus of Pius IX.
The main fresco is facing the windows. It represents the Ceremony of the definition of the dogma. In the foreground, one can clearly see Pope Pius IX promulgating the new Catholic dogma.
The fresco on the right represents an assembly of theologians discussing the dogma around a statue of the Virgin Mary placed in a side aisle of the basilica. Podesti's talent as a portraitist is highlighted here. The fresco on the left is dedicated to the Blessing of the Immaculate Conception by the Pope, an event that took place just after the proclamation of the dogma, in St. Peter's Basilica. It is said that the painter was present at this event and painted his portrait in this painting.
In the center of the room is a display case made by the French goldsmith Christofle in 1878, in precious metals enhanced with enamel. It contains works offered to the Holy See on the occasion of the promulgation of the dogma. It is surmounted by a statue of the Virgin Mary in enamelled metal.
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