Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

Inside the Santa Maria Aracoelli

"I have a feeling there's more to this building than meets the eye so I'd suggest paying close attention to this one."

―Shaun Hastings on the Santa Maria Aracoeli

The Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli was built in the 13^th Century and is the church of the city council of Rome, one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Search for the Apple

Desmond Miles gained access to the basilica after entering through the underground passageway and hidden entrances from the Colosseum. There he solved a free-running puzzle, pulling a lever that lifted a strange device, which later opened a secret entrance to the vault below the church.

"Supposedly it (the Santa Maria Aracoeli) was built on top of the Temple of Juno", stated by Shaun Hastings as he entered the church alongside Lucy Stillman, Rebecca Crane and Desmond. The Temple was also home to a Lair of Romulus.

Database Entry

The modern day Assassins inside the church.

Adjacent to the Campidoglio square, this Basilica became the centre for religious and civic life in the city during the 14th century. The architect claimed climbing the daunting 124-step staircase leading to the main entrance on one's knees would absolve a Catholic of all sins. "Lord knows, I'd rather have murder on my knees than on my hands".

Some historians postulate the Basilica was built atop the ruins of Juno's temple. I have a feeling there's more to this building than meets the eye so I'd suggest paying close attention to this one.

Trivia

• According to legend, Emperor Augustus was foretold the arrival of Jesus Christ in the Temple of Juno atop the Capitol, whereon he commissioned a "heavenly altar" (ara coeli) to be build inside. The Christian church is said to be then build directly upon this eponymous altar.

Gallery

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  The entrance to the vault underneath the basilica.
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  Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

Source

• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood