Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

An impressively designed church in the middle of the city. I event to this church as part of the pilgrimage quest to visit the 4 holy doors for the Jubilee year. When you enter you are greeted by the sheer length and size of the church which doesn’t show on the outside. What strikes me for this church is a nice balance between the gold and white colours for the inner architecture. Once you are done you are able to visit the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano which houses the other holy door which is a 25 min walk. Overall, highly recommend stop off you are on your holy pilgrimage.

• Free entry to the church; some areas ticketed: General entry to the basilica is free, but the museum, archaeological areas, dome/upper terraces and some guided experiences require paid tickets or timed visits. • Hours & best visiting times: The basilica is normally open early morning through evening (check the official site for day-to-day hours and any changes for liturgies or solemnities). Weekday mornings and late afternoons are quieter for photos and prayer. • Why it matters (history & art): One of Rome’s four Papal basilicas, founded in the 5th century on the Esquiline Hill, it preserves early-Christian fabric and lavish mosaics, making it a top stop for history and art lovers. • Special relics & highlights: The basilica houses the venerated Holy Crib relic (manger fragments associated with Bethlehem), the splendid 5th-century mosaics, the 18th-century Pauline Chapel (with the Salus Populi Romani icon), and Bernini/Cappella works — allow 45–90 minutes to see the main features. • Tours & underground / archaeological visit: Guided tours and audio guides are available; the archaeological area (excavations under the basilica) and the Liberian Museum are ticketed and best visited with a booked slot. • Access & location: On the Esquiline Hill near Termini / the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore piazza — easy walk from Termini station and many buses; the piazza is a handy meeting point. ⸻ ⚠️ What to keep in mind • Active liturgy & Pope Francis’ burial note: The basilica is an active place of worship—Masses and papal-related ceremonies can restrict access. In 2025 Pope Francis chose Santa Maria Maggiore as his burial site, an event that increased pilgrim traffic and occasional access changes—check official notices before visiting. • Dress code & security: Dress modestly (no sleeveless tops/shorts) and expect security checks at the entrance; large bags may be restricted. • Peak crowds & best timing: Weekends, holy days and major papal liturgies draw big crowds—early morning weekday visits give a calmer experience. • Combine nearby sights: Pair the visit with the nearby Basilica of St John Lateran, the Baths of Diocletian (Museo Nazionale Romano) or a walk to the Colosseum for a full historical loop

St. Mary Major Basilica is not just a significant religious site; it is a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this basilica offers a profound and unforgettable experience. As you stand beneath its majestic ceilings and gaze upon its ancient mosaics, you are transported back in time, connecting with centuries of faith and artistic achievement. Online booking so easy and had a chance to witness a holy door open every 25 years.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and an impressive place to visit, both historically and spiritually. The interior is beautifully decorated, with stunning mosaics, a richly detailed ceiling, and a strong sense of reverence that can be felt as soon as you enter. Visiting during the Jubilee Year made the experience even more meaningful. Walking through the Holy Door was a special and memorable moment, adding a deeper spiritual significance to the visit. Even for those who are not particularly religious, it is a unique opportunity to witness an important tradition that only takes place during a Jubilee. The basilica is spacious and well organized, allowing visitors to explore calmly despite the number of people. Its location near Termini also makes it easy to include in a Rome itinerary. A highly recommended stop for anyone interested in art, history, or the spiritual heritage of the city.

We visited the basilica in the middle of the workweek, on a rainy day, and still ended up waiting in a fairly long line — about ten minutes. But it was absolutely worth it. The architecture is stunning, and the statues of the apostles standing around the perimeter are truly impressive. The ceiling, the space, the atmosphere — everything is beautiful. If you’re in Rome, this is definitely one of the basilicas you should visit.

Incredibly beautiful church! First time we walked by there was quite the line to get in (midday). I came back early and was able to walk right in as soon as it opened (there is security). Really nice to have a few moments to myself at Pope Francis’ tomb. So characteristically simple for him, especially compared to all around. A morning mass was going on in the side chapel housing the oldest icon of Mary. Other great highlights as well. Enjoy your visit.

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a true masterpiece and one of the most significant religious and artistic buildings in Rome. It is one of the four Papal Basilicas and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is the only major early Christian basilica in Rome that has retained its original paleochristian plan and structure virtually intact, despite numerous later additions and embellishments. According to legend (the Legend of the Snow (Miracolo della Neve)), the site for the basilica's construction was miraculously determined: on August 5, 358, in the height of summer, snow fell on the Esquiline Hill, and Pope Liberius traced the perimeter of the future church in the snow. In memory of this miracle, white petals are dropped from the basilica's ceiling every year on August 5 during a solemn mass. The basilica is famous for its mosaics, created in various eras. The Sistine Chapel (Sistina) and the Pauline Chapel (Paolina), built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, are magnificent examples of Baroque architecture and art, housing the tombs of the popes. Another unique and curious fact is the burial place of Pope Francis. Pope Francis expressed a wish to be buried in this basilica, highlighting his special devotion to the icon of the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People), which is also enshrined here. A good tip: the best time to visit is in the morning, when you can admire this basilica in peace and quiet.

The Basilica of St Peter TL:DR- doesn’t need online reservation for regular visits but will recommend so. Staff could be better equipped to handle ticket holders for entrance and to the dome. Otherworldly experience inside. One of the holiest Christian shrines, especially for the Roman Catholics; the centre of the Holy See with a dome that is visible from across the city of Rome, a place steeped in history, faith, and unparalleled grandeur. The sheer size of the place from the inside is even more awe inspiring compared to what it looks from outside. The multiple small chapels with specific connotations and history arcs of their own; the impeccable works of Bernini (like the seat of St Peter at the altar) and Michelangelo (the exquisite Pieta, the iconic dome) to name a few amongst many others including Holy Fathers across generations have contributed to this amazing, wonder of a monument. We just did not feel like coming back: took a tour with a helpful audio guide, visited the Grottoes and saw the entrance to the actual tomb of St Peter, the first pontiff of the Catholic church (the altar of the modern basilica is built directly above the tomb), along with sarcophagi of many Popes from the distant past to the recent days; climbed up the terrace and to the top the cupola of the main dome for some breathtaking views; got the rare opportunity to pass through the Holy Door as it is a Jubilee year (current schedule for ordinary jubilees is every 25 years) and YET, we simply did not feel like exiting after spending many hours - strolling, admiring, praying. That is the aura of this holy site. It nudges one to internalise The Barque of St Peter and how it still sails on - touching billions across the globe, across millennia. Incredible is an understatement, and although reluctant, we are definitely overjoyed to be ending our trip to Rome with a visit to this testament to art, faith and the virtues of the human race, and most importantly, it’s capacity to embrace the divine.