Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Rome
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the seven pilgrimage churches in Rome, and a major basilica belonging to the Vatican. It is easy to get to from Termini station and is within walking distance from the Colosseum.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore housed the popes for a good period of time. It was the main seat of the Catholic Church while the Vatican palaces were being restored and created.
The exterior of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is very impressive. Before you walk inside take a few minutes to look at the beautiful facade by Fernando Fuga, created in 1741. The bell-tower was built in the 14th century and is the tallest in Rome.
When I first walked inside I chose to sit in the pew and take in the magnificent church. I then slowly walked all around to take in all the beauty. The floors of Santa Maria are made with unique tiles where no two designs are repeated. My head was turning in all different directions looking at all the gilt and marble, it’s truly breathtaking. The incredible 5th century mosaics are some of the oldest representations of Mary in Rome. The 16th century coffered ceiling is inspiring. The golden ceiling is said to be a gift from Fernando and Isabel of Spain. There are numerous paintings and frescoes and a great Triumphal Arch. When you walk down a few steps you will see the Reliquary of the Holy Crib (wood of the crib for Jesus) in a beautiful gold and silver case. There’s a marble statue of a kneeling Pope praying to Jesus, I found very moving.
Make sure to look at the incredible attention into the details of the flat ceiling and the alter at the front with the pope praying. Among the many treasures is a precious icon that reputedly saved the city from the plague. There is also a sealed door for the holy year that occurs every 25 years. Make sure to take a tour of the relics in the basement that proved to be fascinating.
A service was going on in a side chapel when I was visiting Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. There was a group of monks chanting and served as the perfect background music to my tour. It is free to enter and well worth a visit to see all what Rome has to offer.
[map id=”143″]
Phone number:+39 06 6988 6800
Address: Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42, 00100, Rome, Italy
Hours open: Monday through Sunday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
The small gift shop has some reasonably priced religious articles.
Piazza della Repubblica, Museo Nazionale Romano, Via Nazionale, Church of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs and Termini train station are the attractions which are nearest to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
