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Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Name: Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Rating: 4.8

4.8 ·

Step inside one of Rome's four great papal basilicas, near Termini station. See some of the city's oldest Christian mosaics beneath a coffered ceiling reputedly gilded with gold from the Americas, and visit the tomb of Pope Francis.

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Reasons to go

Built in the mid-5th century, it holds some of the oldest surviving Christian mosaics in Rome
Legend says its site was marked by a miraculous summer snowfall
One of only four papal basilicas in Rome, it contains the tomb of Pope Francis

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Full description

Built in the mid-5th century following a legendary summer snowfall that marked out its site, Santa Maria Maggiore preserves some of the oldest surviving Christian mosaics in Rome inside a mostly Baroque exterior. It's one of only four papal basilicas — alongside St.

Peter's, St. John Lateran, and St.

Paul Outside the Walls — and holds relics along with the tomb of Pope Francis. Its location near Termini station makes it an easy stop even on a tight itinerary, and it draws steadier crowds than the outer basilicas without ever matching St.

Peter's. It suits anyone interested in early Christian art as much as pilgrims.

Peter's, St. John Lateran, and St.

Peter's. It suits anyone interested in early Christian art as much as pilgrims.

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Address

P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy · Monti

Website

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Hours

🎫

Booking

Walk-in

Duration

45 min

Best time

early morning, morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening

Intensity

Moderate walking

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Good to know

It's an easy stop near Termini station, convenient at the start or end of a Rome day
look up at the coffered ceiling and ancient nave mosaics, easy to miss if rushing
dress modestly, as with all major Roman basilicas.

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Reviews

Absolutely thrilled to have been here while in Rome. The Basilica is stunning and entry is free. Confessions are being heard as you tour and Mass is being held in side chapels, so prepare to keep your voice down. There is also an adoration chapel you can visit. Highly recommend a few minutes with Christ after the…

Benjamin Lazarus

5/5

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