Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

I just visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and wow, what a place! This basilica isn't just one of the major churches in Rome; it's also one of the oldest dedicated to the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 5th century. The sheer scale of its stunning mosaics, especially those shimmering gold ones in the ceiling, really blew me away. It’s like stepping back in time and seeing the artistry and devotion of ancient Rome come alive. Plus, did you know it’s said to contain a relic from Jesus' manger? That's not something you hear about every day! Walking through the basilica, I was struck by the elaborate and well-preserved interior. The Sistine Chapel (not that one, the lesser-known but equally impressive one here!) and the Pauline Chapel are absolutely captivating. The staff was super friendly and seemed to really appreciate the significance of every artifact and painting. For anyone who loves diving deep into history and appreciates art, this place is a treasure trove. This place is recommended for art lovers and history enthusiasts looking for an awe-inspiring experience.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is an exquisite gem in Rome that should not be missed. Its stunning architecture, adorned with intricate mosaics and elegant columns, is truly a sight to behold. Visitors can marvel at the rich history and religious significance of this ancient basilica while exploring its magnificent interior. To fully appreciate the beauty and historical significance of Santa Maria Maggiore, it is highly recommended to visit with a knowledgeable guide. A guide can provide insightful commentary, offering valuable insights into the basilica's architecture, artwork, and historical context. This enhances the overall experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this remarkable landmark. In summary, a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a must for anyone exploring Rome. Its beauty, history, and religious importance make it a truly unforgettable destination.

This 5th century church, one of the first to be built to celebrate the Virgin Mary, is an architectural marvel that depicts classical and typical Roman of that time period. One should take the time to closely observe and admire the mosaics on the triumphal arch and nave, the marble columns supporting the nave. Located in the heart of Rome, this basilica is a short walk from the Termini station. Be sure to walk all the way around the church and to the back side as well, to take in the spectacular external architecture of this incredible, historic church. A must see while in Rome!

Little church to go in and see. Nice architecture internally. Nothing wow from outside. There is a security check before going in but no need for tickets. Worth a quick look if close by but wouldn’t go out of your way for it. Not really into churches but kinda cool looking and it was free!

I was lucky enough to have a guide who told me interesting facts about the church. Otherwise, it would have been another big Italian church. This is supposed to be the biggest church in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The story behind it is pretty weak: two different men dreamt of the Virgin Mary telling them that they should build her a church. And, apparently, the place was identified because somehow it started to snow right there. Believe it or not. The gold from the ceiling was the first of the innumerable tons of gold Europe stole from Latin America. I found it interesting the way some people are true believers. You can see them doing all kinds of stuff. I’m not judging. I just admire their faith. If you’re planning to visit this church, make sure you go with a guide, so that you don’t miss all this important information.

Absolutely gorgeous. Gold adorns nearly every surface. Beautiful paintings both small and huge. The stain glass window is exquisite. The tiny Chapels off the sides are gorgeous. All the little details as you look around get more and more intricate and obvious the more you look. Beautiful

Simply stunning. The basilica is huge and beautiful, has many saloons and even some masses were being held while I was there. There is no fee to visit, so I suggest you to do a donation or buy something from the store, to help he maintenance of the Basilica. Being catholic or not, I strongly recommend the visit, just a few blocks away from Termini station.

We always enjoy visiting churches no matter where we go. This was another amazing church in this area of the city. There is a security checkpoint, but rather a formality - noting like the St Peter's Bascillica. We visited at night before closing - really added to the experience. There was also a service going on in the chapel off of the main church area. The acoustics were amazing - we were in the main area away from the service, but it was so peaceful to sit there and listen to the sermon and hymns. When you walk in, it is simply a wide open area that likely had seats at one point in time. There is a beautiful area near the front of the church with a sunken area with a statue and relic. I suggest visiting at night for this different experience. Thank you.