Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of Rome's greatest basilicas
- Interesting mixture of architectural styles
Time required: 30 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 7am - 7pm |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | Free |
Public transport:
- Metro Line A, B: Termini station
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: cb_agulto
Things you need to know:
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the greatest basilicas and one of the 4 papal basilicas in Rome
- It dates back to the 5th century
- It displays an interesting mixture of architectural styles
- The nave and its mosaics are from the 5th century; the Cosmatesque work, the apse mosaics and the Romanesque bell tower are medieval; the coffered ceiling (of New-World gold) is Renaissance; and the twin domes and front and back façades are Baroque
- Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman basilica that retained the core of its original structure despite a number of reconstructions over its history
- After the papacy returned to Rome (from Avignon), the church served as the papal palace for a while
What to do there:
- Discover the impressive church both from the inside and outside
- Do not miss the highlights: Tomb of Sixtus, Bernini's Tomb, Apse Mosaic
