Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Marian church in Rome and one of the four major papal basilicas. According to tradition it was founded in the fifth century after a miraculous summer snowfall marked out its site on the Esquiline Hill, an event still commemorated as Our Lady of the Snows, and much of its core dates to the time of Pope Sixtus III around 432-440.
The basilica is renowned for its glittering early Christian mosaics, among the oldest depictions of the Virgin Mary, which line the nave and triumphal arch, while the coffered ceiling is said to be gilded with some of the first gold brought from the Americas. Later additions include a Romanesque bell tower, the tallest in Rome, a Baroque facade, and richly decorated side chapels housing the tombs of several popes, including Pope Francis.
As a papal basilica with Vatican extraterritorial status, Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and a primary shrine of Marian devotion. It preserves a venerated relic believed to be from the Holy Crib, drawing pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.
- Location
- 41.8975, 12.4986
- Local time
- 00:37 (Europe/Rome)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sun | 07:00–18:45 |
Open daily, last admission about 18:30; museum, loggia and underground areas ticketed.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Saint Jerome Saint
Doctor of the Church; his relics were translated here and are venerated near the Crib relic in the confessio
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Saint Matthew Saint
Apostle and Evangelist whose relics are kept in the basilica
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Pope Saint Pius V Saint
His body is enshrined in the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) of the basilica
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Saint Cajetan Saint
Tradition holds he received a vision of the Christ Child at the Crib relic here on Christmas night
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Saint Matthias Saint
Relics traditionally associated with the basilica's holdings of apostolic remains
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Pope Saint Pius IX Saint
Devotee of the basilica; the kneeling statue and crypt of the Confessio honor the Marian shrine he cherished
The candle wall
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00:37
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