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The Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Italian: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Italian pronunciation: [ˈsanta maˈriːa madˈdʒoːre]; Latin: Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris), or church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is a Major papal basilica as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy.
The basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary as the health and protectress of the Roman people, which was granted a Canonical coronation by Pope Gregory XVI on 15 August 1838 accompanied by his Papal bull Cælestis Regina.
Beautiful building, well worth visiting, We went to a local pub to watch Crystal Palace v Liverpool and when we got back to the church there was virtually no queue. Bernini is buried here and we search among all the ornate tombs and sculptures but he was no where to be seen. After checking Google I discovered why he was hard to find. After all, who would want to take on the job of carving a memorial to one of the greatest sculptures in the world? It turned out that his memorial is on the steps at the right of the main altar, as close to God in the church as you can get.
Barbara McIlwrathApr 3, 2018
Just saw the magnamity of this place from outside, due to short visit in its vicinity. It is one of the remarkable places adding charm to the Roman visitors. This place is also very close to other tourist attractions of Rome. We just walked to this place from Roma Termini within 5 minutes. The building has the signature architect of modern and ancient Romans. I will recommend spending some time to appreciate its beauty in detail.
Ajay ChahalFeb 21, 2018
The beautiful Basillica Papale Di Santa Maria Maggiore is such a holy place. This beautiful tribute to Saint Mary Major is special, not only as one of the major basilicas, but an active church much loved by the locals. Our guide let us know that there was a special connection with Mother Mary and them and they felt she saw no prayer too small for her attention. This is a “must see” while in Rome.
Linda RoeFeb 5, 2018
One of four papal basilicas in Rome, this is one of the finest churches in the world. Home to fine art, sculpture, and history, this church is a meuseum in it's own right. Deep in the heart of Rome, this church is a must-see for anyone who wants to be with the Lord.
Robert JohnsonMar 14, 2018
This is a major basilica, one of four, and St Peters is also one so that means it a special place. There is a security check which isn't that busy or long. The interior is simply amazing and the ceiling and altar is stunning. It also is where the great sculptor Bernini is buried. Admission is free so definitely visit this place when in Rome.
Rich WarychJan 15, 2018
#Reasons-worth-a-visit (1) Free entrance, short queue, only a quick security check. (2) You can sense peace once stepping in. The place is peaceful and beautiful. (3) It has wood from the Holy Crib and the Mary’s icon believed to be painted by St. Luke himself. (4) It has the relics of Sf.Jerome. Bernini and a few Popes also buried here. (6) It is where St. Ignatius presides his first mass and used to be a palace of popes before moving to Vatican. (7) For art-lovers: mosaics, paintings, marble sculptures are remarkable. Some of them were the pieces of famous artists, including Bernini. You may need some quality time to sit, ponder and enjoy.
Aimamorn SuvichakornMay 4, 2018
It's a quiet place and not as crowded as St. Peter's. But it is gorgeous inside. I was absolutely blown away buy the size and all of the gold.
JamesbondinatorMay 5, 2018
This place, is a must-see. This place was built in 343 and remodeled in 443 AD. The gold throughout the Basilica, especially on the roof is all original and spectacular. An amazing spiritual place. Amazing detail throughout the entire basilica
Oscar PiconApr 8, 2018
Visited twice & we’re glad we did. This is a magnificent church with much to see. The panels around the sides are noteworthy but when we first went we couldn’t make out much. On our second visit it was a sunny day & everything lite up. Stunning.
Cheryl MicheleMay 9, 2018
If you want to see something stunning (before going to Vatican) and see where all the church's money goes please pay a visit to this place. It's huge and full decorated - really, it's from the floor to the ceiling. There is a bunch of chapels around the main room. I did not go to the museum there, so I can't speak about that.
Willian CorrêaMay 18, 2018
Rome has some of the most beautiful basilicas in the world, and this one feels like falls under the radar for many tourists. This was a great advantage for me, since very few tourists were inside the basilica, which made it a much better, peaceful experience. My visiting time was on Sunday (July 1, 2018) at 3pm. There was no queue at the security check. There is a also an audio guide available for 2 euros. After listening to all the videos available, I highly recommend it!
Sagar BuchJul 4, 2018
So much history inside! Wonder at its best. Take your time and enjoy every corner. Don't miss this icon you won't regret it. It's a pity that the goverment can't keep the streets and the square in the front clean.🤔
Miriam del Carmen FernándezJul 11, 2018
Beautiful building, well worth visiting, We went to a local pub to watch Crystal Palace v Liverpool and when we got back to the church there was virtually no queue. Bernini is buried here and we search among all the ornate tombs and sculptures but he was no where to be seen. After checking Google I discovered why he was hard to find. After all, who would want to take on the job of carving a memorial to one of the greatest sculptures in the world? It turned out that his memorial is on the steps at the right of the main altar, as close to God in the church as you can get.
Barbara McIlwrathApr 3, 2018
Just saw the magnamity of this place from outside, due to short visit in its vicinity. It is one of the remarkable places adding charm to the Roman visitors. This place is also very close to other tourist attractions of Rome. We just walked to this place from Roma Termini within 5 minutes. The building has the signature architect of modern and ancient Romans. I will recommend spending some time to appreciate its beauty in detail.
Ajay ChahalFeb 21, 2018
The beautiful Basillica Papale Di Santa Maria Maggiore is such a holy place. This beautiful tribute to Saint Mary Major is special, not only as one of the major basilicas, but an active church much loved by the locals. Our guide let us know that there was a special connection with Mother Mary and them and they felt she saw no prayer too small for her attention. This is a “must see” while in Rome.
Linda RoeFeb 5, 2018
One of four papal basilicas in Rome, this is one of the finest churches in the world. Home to fine art, sculpture, and history, this church is a meuseum in it's own right. Deep in the heart of Rome, this church is a must-see for anyone who wants to be with the Lord.
Robert JohnsonMar 14, 2018
This is a major basilica, one of four, and St Peters is also one so that means it a special place. There is a security check which isn't that busy or long. The interior is simply amazing and the ceiling and altar is stunning. It also is where the great sculptor Bernini is buried. Admission is free so definitely visit this place when in Rome.
Rich WarychJan 15, 2018
#Reasons-worth-a-visit (1) Free entrance, short queue, only a quick security check. (2) You can sense peace once stepping in. The place is peaceful and beautiful. (3) It has wood from the Holy Crib and the Mary’s icon believed to be painted by St. Luke himself. (4) It has the relics of Sf.Jerome. Bernini and a few Popes also buried here. (6) It is where St. Ignatius presides his first mass and used to be a palace of popes before moving to Vatican. (7) For art-lovers: mosaics, paintings, marble sculptures are remarkable. Some of them were the pieces of famous artists, including Bernini. You may need some quality time to sit, ponder and enjoy.
Aimamorn SuvichakornMay 4, 2018
It's a quiet place and not as crowded as St. Peter's. But it is gorgeous inside. I was absolutely blown away buy the size and all of the gold.
JamesbondinatorMay 5, 2018
This place, is a must-see. This place was built in 343 and remodeled in 443 AD. The gold throughout the Basilica, especially on the roof is all original and spectacular. An amazing spiritual place. Amazing detail throughout the entire basilica
Oscar PiconApr 8, 2018
Visited twice & we’re glad we did. This is a magnificent church with much to see. The panels around the sides are noteworthy but when we first went we couldn’t make out much. On our second visit it was a sunny day & everything lite up. Stunning.
Cheryl MicheleMay 9, 2018
If you want to see something stunning (before going to Vatican) and see where all the church's money goes please pay a visit to this place. It's huge and full decorated - really, it's from the floor to the ceiling. There is a bunch of chapels around the main room. I did not go to the museum there, so I can't speak about that.
Willian CorrêaMay 18, 2018
Rome has some of the most beautiful basilicas in the world, and this one feels like falls under the radar for many tourists. This was a great advantage for me, since very few tourists were inside the basilica, which made it a much better, peaceful experience. My visiting time was on Sunday (July 1, 2018) at 3pm. There was no queue at the security check. There is a also an audio guide available for 2 euros. After listening to all the videos available, I highly recommend it!
Sagar BuchJul 4, 2018
So much history inside! Wonder at its best. Take your time and enjoy every corner. Don't miss this icon you won't regret it. It's a pity that the goverment can't keep the streets and the square in the front clean.🤔
Miriam del Carmen FernándezJul 11, 2018
Beautiful building, well worth visiting, We went to a local pub to watch Crystal Palace v Liverpool and when we got back to the church there was virtually no queue. Bernini is buried here and we search among all the ornate tombs and sculptures but he was no where to be seen. After checking Google I discovered why he was hard to find. After all, who would want to take on the job of carving a memorial to one of the greatest sculptures in the world? It turned out that his memorial is on the steps at the right of the main altar, as close to God in the church as you can get.
Barbara McIlwrathApr 3, 2018
Just saw the magnamity of this place from outside, due to short visit in its vicinity. It is one of the remarkable places adding charm to the Roman visitors. This place is also very close to other tourist attractions of Rome. We just walked to this place from Roma Termini within 5 minutes. The building has the signature architect of modern and ancient Romans. I will recommend spending some time to appreciate its beauty in detail.
Ajay ChahalFeb 21, 2018
The beautiful Basillica Papale Di Santa Maria Maggiore is such a holy place. This beautiful tribute to Saint Mary Major is special, not only as one of the major basilicas, but an active church much loved by the locals. Our guide let us know that there was a special connection with Mother Mary and them and they felt she saw no prayer too small for her attention. This is a “must see” while in Rome.
Linda RoeFeb 5, 2018
One of four papal basilicas in Rome, this is one of the finest churches in the world. Home to fine art, sculpture, and history, this church is a meuseum in it's own right. Deep in the heart of Rome, this church is a must-see for anyone who wants to be with the Lord.
Robert JohnsonMar 14, 2018
This is a major basilica, one of four, and St Peters is also one so that means it a special place. There is a security check which isn't that busy or long. The interior is simply amazing and the ceiling and altar is stunning. It also is where the great sculptor Bernini is buried. Admission is free so definitely visit this place when in Rome.
Rich WarychJan 15, 2018
#Reasons-worth-a-visit (1) Free entrance, short queue, only a quick security check. (2) You can sense peace once stepping in. The place is peaceful and beautiful. (3) It has wood from the Holy Crib and the Mary’s icon believed to be painted by St. Luke himself. (4) It has the relics of Sf.Jerome. Bernini and a few Popes also buried here. (6) It is where St. Ignatius presides his first mass and used to be a palace of popes before moving to Vatican. (7) For art-lovers: mosaics, paintings, marble sculptures are remarkable. Some of them were the pieces of famous artists, including Bernini. You may need some quality time to sit, ponder and enjoy.
Aimamorn SuvichakornMay 4, 2018
It's a quiet place and not as crowded as St. Peter's. But it is gorgeous inside. I was absolutely blown away buy the size and all of the gold.
JamesbondinatorMay 5, 2018
This place, is a must-see. This place was built in 343 and remodeled in 443 AD. The gold throughout the Basilica, especially on the roof is all original and spectacular. An amazing spiritual place. Amazing detail throughout the entire basilica
Oscar PiconApr 8, 2018
Visited twice & we’re glad we did. This is a magnificent church with much to see. The panels around the sides are noteworthy but when we first went we couldn’t make out much. On our second visit it was a sunny day & everything lite up. Stunning.
Cheryl MicheleMay 9, 2018
If you want to see something stunning (before going to Vatican) and see where all the church's money goes please pay a visit to this place. It's huge and full decorated - really, it's from the floor to the ceiling. There is a bunch of chapels around the main room. I did not go to the museum there, so I can't speak about that.
Willian CorrêaMay 18, 2018
Rome has some of the most beautiful basilicas in the world, and this one feels like falls under the radar for many tourists. This was a great advantage for me, since very few tourists were inside the basilica, which made it a much better, peaceful experience. My visiting time was on Sunday (July 1, 2018) at 3pm. There was no queue at the security check. There is a also an audio guide available for 2 euros. After listening to all the videos available, I highly recommend it!
Sagar BuchJul 4, 2018
So much history inside! Wonder at its best. Take your time and enjoy every corner. Don't miss this icon you won't regret it. It's a pity that the goverment can't keep the streets and the square in the front clean.🤔
Miriam del Carmen FernándezJul 11, 2018
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.