The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a magnificent cathedral located in Rome. It is a papal basilica and one of the 7 pilgrim churches. The cathedral is situated in a large square, allowing for easy access and walking around the building. To enter the church, visitors must pass through a metal detector at a security point, but the process is relatively quick even with the presence of tourists.
The interior of the basilica is incredibly ornate and beautiful. Most areas in the main part of the church are accessible to tourists, although they are asked to be respectful as the church is in active use and various services take place throughout the day. Despite being a popular tourist attraction with lots of tour groups, the overall experience is not diminished.
The basilica was built in the 5th century and is the resting place of several popes, as well as the head of the Bernini family. It is filled with ornate decorations and artifacts, making it a must-visit for anyone in Rome. It is also one of the four basilicas that includes a Holy Door. The side chapels in the basilica are particularly amazing, and it is worth mentioning that Bernini is also buried here.
The beauty of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is on par with the extravagance within the Vatican City but without the massive crowds. The decorative frescoes and ceiling works will leave visitors in awe. It is a great place to visit for fans of Bernini, as he rests here peacefully.
A visit to the basilica is highly recommended for anyone traveling to Rome. It is one of the major basilicas in the city and offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Spending time admiring the beautiful doors and exploring the interior is a must. One interesting feature is that below the main altar, it is said to be the remains of Jesus' crèche. It is also a favorite church for Pope Francis to visit.
Personal experiences of visitors to the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore vary, but many describe it as a breathtaking and peaceful place that can easily occupy an hour or two of exploration. The atmosphere is beautiful and serene, and there is also a museum section that requires purchasing tickets.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the Roman Catholic Church, the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a must-see. From its grandeur and architectural splendor to its sacred atmosphere, the basilica captivates and inspires. It is a place where visitors can witness the devotion and artistic brilliance that define Rome's religious heritage, and find solace in the embrace of spirituality.
Address:
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma
Phone:
+39 06 6988 6800
14.09.23
Ian
Another magnificent cathedral in Rome. This is a papal basilica and one of the 7 pilgrim churches. It sits as part of a large square. This allows for easy walking around the building. Entrance to the church requires passing through a metal detector a.. Read more »t a security point, but even with all the tourists present, this did not take too long. This interior of the building is ornate and beautiful. Most of the areas in the main part of the church are accessible, though tourists are asked to be respectful as it is in active use and confession and other services take place throughout the day. It is a popular tourist attraction and there were lots of tour groups present, however, this did not detract from the experience. A bit of patience might be needed to get a clear view of parts of the building, but these are certainly worth the wait.
05.08.23
Anil
Gorgeous basilica built in the 5th century. Several burials of popes as well as the head of Bernini family. This church is another must visit as it is filled with ornates and artifacts. Beyond pretty. You do not need a ticket to enter the church but .. Read more »tickets are required for the mass.
07.07.23
David
One of the four Basilica’s that includes a Holy Door. A very large church with amazing side chapels and the resting place of Bernini. Well worth a visit.
05.07.23
Elche
Just breathtaking! You can easily spend an hour or two in there. Really really beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. Got a museum part which you need to buy tickets for and check closing time.
27.06.23
Jenny
One of the most beautiful basilica in Rome. It is on par to the extravagance within the Vatican City, but away from the massive crowd. The decorative frescoes and ceiling works will leave you in awe.
It is also a great place to visit if you are a fan.. Read more » of Bernini. As he rest here peacefully.
18.06.23
Brian
A must see in any visit to Rome. One of the major basilicas of Rome you will not be disappointed spending some time here. Spend some time looking at the beautiful doors. Below the main altar is said to be the remains of Jesus’ crèche. I.. Read more »t is one of Pope Francis’ favorite churches to visit.
15.06.23
Sayak
My visit to the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in 2006 was a profoundly spiritual and awe-inspiring experience. This majestic basilica, nestled in the heart of Rome, stands as a testament to the devotion and artistic brilliance of the Roman .. Read more »Catholic Church. From its magnificent architecture to its sacred atmosphere, Santa Maria Maggiore captivated my soul and remains one of the highlights of my journey through the Eternal City.
Approaching Santa Maria Maggiore, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and architectural splendor. The façade, adorned with intricate mosaics and delicate details, hinted at the magnificence that awaited inside. Stepping through its doors, I was greeted by a sense of peace and tranquility that permeated the sacred space.
The interior of Santa Maria Maggiore was a feast for the senses. The high ceilings, adorned with breathtaking frescoes, seemed to touch the heavens. The intricate marble work, gilded details, and elaborate chapels created an ambiance of reverence and awe. The play of light filtering through stained glass windows added a ethereal quality to the surroundings.
The focal point of Santa Maria Maggiore is its stunning mosaics, which adorn the triumphal arch and the apse. These intricate works of art depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, transporting visitors into a world of spiritual contemplation. The skill and craftsmanship exhibited in these mosaics are a testament to the artistic genius of the craftsmen who created them.
The basilica's historical significance is also noteworthy. Built in the 5th century, Santa Maria Maggiore stands as one of Rome's four major papal basilicas. Its rich history is intertwined with the development of the Roman Catholic Church and serves as a living testament to centuries of devotion and faith.
Visiting Santa Maria Maggiore in 2006 allowed me to witness the beauty and grandeur of Roman Catholic worship. Attending a Mass within its hallowed walls, surrounded by the faithful, added a profound dimension to the experience. The liturgical chants, the scent of incense, and the reverence of the worshippers contributed to the sacred atmosphere that filled the basilica.
While Santa Maria Maggiore is a popular tourist attraction, it retains its spiritual aura and offers moments of tranquility. Exploring the side chapels, taking time to admire the intricate details, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation can deepen the connection with the divine and allow for a more personal encounter with the sacred space.
My time in Santa Maria Maggiore remains a cherished memory—a testament to the beauty, devotion, and artistic brilliance that define Rome's religious heritage. It is a place where the earthly and the divine converge, where the faithful gather in prayer, and where the timeless traditions of the Church come to life. For anyone visiting Rome, a visit to Santa Maria Maggiore is a must—an opportunity to bask in the beauty of sacred art and to find solace in the embrace of spirituality.
18.05.23
Edi
A very big church that is right next to the train station. Its a quiet place with very beatifull architecture. There aren't many parking lots near it. If you go to Rome by train you need to visit this place. The entrance is free.
11.04.23
EatNails
I'm not a religious person. Yet here I am, on vacation in Italy, where 3/4 of the sites I'll see are religious.
This stuff is just unreal. How is it we made such amazing structures and such amazing art so long ago, when buildings now last .. Read more »only decades, and paint splatter is art.
Viewing this, being here, it just instills this sense of peace in you. It gave me a broader sense of humanity, where we come from and where we're going. That doesn't make much sense, until you've been there.
If you're in Rome, this is something to see, and it's every bit as important as going into the Vatican museum.
01.04.23
Jenny
This is my favourite Basilica in the whole of Rome. It has unique architectural features and is ornately decorated. It felt so calming and peaceful inside, I spent a long time just sitting.
You have to go through a security check to enter the buildin.. Read more »g.
There is a small museum in the basement, which you have to pay to enter. It was overpriced considering the small size of the museum. Though it did have interesting artifacts.
You can also pay to go on a tour to the top of the Basilica. Tours are in English and Italian. They leave at set times.
There is a souvenir shop and toilets.
17.03.23
Robert
Didn’t get the chance to spend as much time here as I would have liked but enjoyed the visit. As with any historical site in Rome, for full context and appreciation, a bit of due diligence is highly recommended.
Regardless of your views, visit.. Read more »ing the churches around Rome are just breathtaking. The architecture and ornate style I doubt will ever be replicated anywhere.
12.01.23
David
It is one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. It is distinguished by the huge tower and the obelisk in front of it. Inside there are many beautiful Christian icons as well as many amazing sculptures. The church is worth visiting and praying th.. Read more »ere. Admission is free and you may need an hour to enjoy the visit
10.10.22
Shafaq
One of the most beautiful Basilica’s in Rome with a unique architecture that you wouldn’t find in Europe. The interiors are simply stunning with various beautiful mosaics. Entry is free and the place is close to the metro station. Highly .. Read more »recommended and worth a visit ?
05.08.22
A
One of the most beautiful Basilica's in Rome. Very close to Roma Terminal Station. Entrance is free. The basilica is huge with high and beautiful ceiling, marble carvings and mosaics. The interiors are simply stunning. Visitors are expected to m.. Read more »aintain silence and be respectful of the place. A visit to this Basilica is highly recommended and is worth visiting.
14.06.22
Deborah
Such a beautiful church. Glad we had an excellent guide that was able to tell us details about the basilica that made it even more interesting than just its aesthetics. Make sure and stop in to see this beautiful site.
20.05.22
Yo
One of the 4 main Basilica of Rome. Beautiful church with rich history. The ceiling paintings are amazing along with the multiple chapels inside. There are no entry fees. Just go through a light security and enjoy.
15.04.22
Beverly
A beautiful basilica, located just a short walk from Termini train station. Impressive from the outside, but the inside is dazzling. Everywhere you turn there is stunning artwork. I was fortunate enough to be there during a mass. There is no entrance.. Read more » fee.
31.03.22
Avery
Gorgeous Basilica with a ton of history. The artwork through is absolutely beautiful, from the ceiling to the alter to the statues and paintings. It's so fascinating to see how the building has survived and was adapted for so long. Even if the f.. Read more »acade of the original is gone, it still holds much history! Absolutely worth a visit, especially as it is free!
17.02.22
Stephanie
Beautiful and unique artwork…. Very different than what you see in the other major cathedrals in Rome. Full of gorgeous mosaics. The building itself is grand and in the heart of several districts that offer shopping and restaurants, also very .. Read more »close to Termini and easy to access. Not really too crowded
30.01.22
Tim
If you tour Rome, you will end up here at some point. Just take a moment and enjoy the architecture. It is quite lovely. Not many places on Earth give a view like this. The train station is very nice from outside. If only the city was cleaned up a bi.. Read more »t more. It's still lovely.
17.01.22
Satya
Its in 5min walking distance to Termini. A good visit. As any other religious site in Rome, the entrance is free. Inside is just gorgeous. It has historical significance with Jesus and Sinsinati. I would say, a must visit. It's your stop 2 on ho.. Read more »p on hop off.
27.12.21
Tran
The outside is not so impressive, but the inside is an architectural masterpiece! The space is kept respectful and polite. Free entry, just keep the space quiet. should visit to see respect for their religion, and see how beautiful and big the faith .. Read more »is.
26.09.21
Tatiana
I didn’t plan to visit this basilica at all: it’s not close to the city center and I just was there because I needed to come to an opera to return tickets. And when I crossed the street and turned right, I saw a beautiful enormous buildin.. Read more »g! Of course I went to see it inside. To enter, you need to do a check-in of your bags and metal detection. Then entering… magnificent, like in the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City! ? The ceiling is unbelievable! What a beauty! What’s more, it’s the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome and one of the 4 that holds the title of papal major basilica. You can also enter there the Crypt of the Nativity or Bethlehem Crypt, with a crystal reliquary designed by Giuseppe Valadier said to contain wood from the Holy Crib of the nativity of Jesus Christ. Must-come!
23.09.21
joyce
A most beautiful building. Well worth visiting if in Rome. Several masses being celebrated and priests hearing confessions. A real working church and no admittance charge. Highly recommend.
31.08.21
Ignazio
One of the most beautiful Italian churches I've ever seen. The inside is clean, very detailed and full of works of art. The roof, the downstairs of the altar, the many little chapels on the sides. If you're in Rome, don't miss it.
30.08.21
Georges
As its name indicates, Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a church inside Rome that is owned and managed by the Vatican. It has a long history that starts as far back as the fifth century. Construction lasted around 1300 years, culminating in.. Read more » the second half of the eighteenth century. You can't miss it. It's just a few hundred steps from Roma's main train station (Termini).
25.07.21
Alexandra
An impressive church, totally worth visiting! It is not busy at all and the interior is beautiful. There was a mass inside when we visited which made the moment more memorable.
22.07.21
Tyler
Wow what’s not to love. The Basilica is mighty impressive and absolutely worth visiting, especially during COVID as there are not many people inside. I recommend walking through all the open rooms and spending some time.
There is so much detai.. Read more »l too it is insane. Look at the floor!!
07.07.21
Alex
Very imposing church with an elaborated altar and multiple frescos. Not very crowded and with many opportunities to pay attention to the various chapels in the church. Many confession spaces indicate the high level of activity in the church. Definite.. Read more »ly a good stop if you are around Termini.
28.06.21
Lea
If you're looking to visit the old churches of Rome, this should be on the top of your list!
It's quiet (no queue and few visitors) and the interior is stunning.
19.02.21
Alphonse
Beautiful ancient Roman architecture at its best. Would feel spiritual and divine once you enter the Basilica. Need to go through security checkpoint as it is one of the historical places in Rome
13.02.21
debjani
We lived close to this place. I still remember going there on Christmas Eve. It was very nice. I would suggest do a little research about the history beforehand or take the guided tour. It will be worth it.
12.02.21
M
Definitely one of the most amazing basilicas in Rome. We stayed for the service and it was hard to concentrate and follow as I was distracted by the mind blowing golden ceilings. They are so fine and detailed and in such good state it is incredible. .. Read more »The wall paintings are also breath taking. And the mosaics in the back is mind blowing. Definitely one of the churches to visit even on a short stay.
17.01.21
David
Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's four Papal Basilicas, is the final resting-place of one of the giants of the Baroque, Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680).
01.10.20
Marto
One of the most beautiful and outstanding Christian building I have ever seen! Only the Vatican is on its level. Every detail is made immaculate and the overall feel is really good. It is 5 minutes away from the main bus station so it is definitely o.. Read more »ne of the must-see sights in Rome! Absolutely underrated!
21.09.20
Janos
Absouletly gorgeous, magnificent building, couls spend hours and hours there.
31.08.20
Juliet
One of my favorie Basilica in Rome..... Amazing Church.
31.08.20
Enrico
BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF MIX BTW ARTS AND CHRISTIANITY.
Go inside with a good clothes
No shorts please.
It is a temple of God
Be respectful!
23.08.20
Shanjid
Night view was amazing
11.08.20
S.
This cathedral is located slightly away from the other touristic hot spots of Roma, but it is a must-see.
The external architecture is impressive and monumental. The interior is richly decorated in the baroque style, with lots of different paintings.. Read more » and sculptures to see.
06.08.20
Philip
We went here for the rosary where they drop flower petals from the ceiling. Beautiful experience... and the pope showed up for a bit!
17.07.20
Andrew
We had to rush to get inside on time but it was well worth the effort; as Catholics, one really enjoys the views in each of the chapels as well as the central nave/ceiling.