Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome: the papal basilica with 16 centuries of history

Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome: an ancient jewel

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four patriarchal basilica of Rome it is one most important churches if the Christianity the only one which has preserved its paleochristian structure. Located in the Esquilino district, one of the historical seven hills which form the original territory of the ancient Rome, Saint Mary Major is a stunning monument visited every year from hundreds of thousands of visitors, not only pilgrims for the relics preserved inside but also for masterpieces which the Basilica is made of.

The exterior of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major is characterized by the brick bell tower which its 75 meter of height is the highest tower bell of Rome. The current facade was made by the Tuscan architect Ferdinando Fuga for the Jubilee of 1750 with the stunning Loggia of the benedictions with the triumphal arch which decorated the mosaics of XIV century A.D. made by Ferdinando Fuga. To complete the exterior of Saint Mary Major there are two identical domed, from where it is possible to admire an incredible view of the Rome city center.

The interior of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major still shows the original structure, one of the few example in Rome of a paleochristian church. With s three-nave plan divided by columns, the coffered ceiling and the majestic golden mosaics made in the Vthcentury A.D. the interior of Saint Mary Major is a chest of treasures. Inside its spaces are kept holy relics like the Holy Crib, the venerable icon Salus Populi Romani and the beautiful staircase made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in addition to chapels built during the centuries which are shaped the current appearance.

Useful information for a visit to Santa Maria Maggiore

Opening hours:
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is located in the Esquilino district in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore and is open everyday from 7am until 7pm, with the last entrance at 6:30pm. Since Saint Mary Major is a place of worship, visitors are requested to respect a dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered while hot pants and tops are forbidden. Our suggestion is to book a guided tour or a reserved entrance ticket to be sure to visit a Basilica which every year is the destination of thousands and thousands of visitors.

Tickets and costs:
Standard admission to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore ranges from €3 to €5 for adults, and €2 to €4 for students and seniors over 65. Entry is required to visit the museum complex, which includes the Liberian Historical Museum, the Loggia of the Blessings, the Hall of the Popes, Bernini's staircase, and the archaeological area. Guided tours and reserved access can be booked through our website.

Accessibility:
A ramp at the entrance guarantees to disabled people the possibility to visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The archaeological area access may not be easy for people with motor difficulty.

How to get to Saint Mary Major?

By Metro: The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is well connected with the Line A subway, by using alternatively Vittorio Emanuele or Termini stations, and with the Line B by using Cavour station: all the solutions are just 5 minutes walking away from the Basilica main entrance.

By Tram: the lines 5 and 14 have tram stops close to Saint Mary Major

By Bus: lines 16, 38, 40, 64, 75, 82, 85, 90, 92, 105, 170, 175, 217, 310, 360, 649, 714 and 910 have bus stops close to Saint Mary Major.

By car: even though you can reach Saint Mary Major by car, do not forget that parking in the square where Saint Mary Major lies is forbidden. Yet, taxi service can be used to reach the Basilica.

FAQs about visiting Saint Mary Major

What is inside Saint Mary Major?
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major hosts some stunning golden mosaics, the oldest dating back to the Vth century AD. The interior of the Basilica includes the relic of the Holy Crib, the venerable icon Salus Populi Romani, one of the dearest and linked with the identity of Rome as a holy city, some chapels - the most important of which are: the Sforza Chapel, the Pauline Chapel, the Sistine Chapel, the Cesi Chapel, the Chapel of the Crucifix and the Chapel dedicated to Saint Michel Archangel, painted by Piero della Francesca.

Who is buried inside the Basilica of Saint Mary Major?
Inside Saint Mary Major are buried 7 Popes - Pope Honorius III, Pope Nicolas IV, Pope Pius V, Pope Sixtus V, Pope Clement VIII, Pope Paul V and Pope Clement IX, and also the famous architect and sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

How long does the visit at Santa Maria Maggiore take?
A visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major takes approximately one hour, with an additional hour must need to visit also the museum with the loggia and the archaeological area.

What to see in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major?
Inside the crypt of Saint Mary Major it is preserved the Holy Crib which keeps inside five pieces of wood traditionally considered part of the manger were baby Jesus was laid after his birth.

Which religious holiday is celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major?
On August 5, in Saint Mary Major it is celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the snow which remembers the miracle occurred in the 358 AD, when the Esquilino hill was covered by a layer of white snow. According to the tradition, this was the signal sent by the Holy Virgin Mary to mark the place where Pope Liberius would have to build a church dedicated to Her.

The best tours to visit Saint Mary Major

The are many options to discover the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major if you are planning a visit of this majestic paleochristian church. Reserving a ticket or booking a guided tour is the best solution to visit Saint Mary Major without wasting time.

Guided tour ticket:
This guided tour permits to explore Saint Mary Major and all its treasures: the Loggia of Benedictions, the hall of Popes, the Bernini's staircase and the new Liberian historical museum.

Dome entry ticket:
With this ticket, if it is possible to visit the grand dome of Saint Mary Major admiring its architectural splendor. Including in the ticket there is also the possibility to entry to the Loggia of benedictions, the hall of the Popes and the Bernini's staircase.

Underground guided tour:
This guided tour permits to visit the incredible underground area with archaeological finds with frescoes, mosaics and cavities for heating. Included in this ticket there is also the visit at the Papal Basilica of Saint of Mary Major.