Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, a World Heritage site crowning the top of the Esquiline Hill, features fifth-century mosaics that are some of the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary. This ancient church is renowned for all its ancient mosaics, which are particularly impressive when the floodlights are turned on. The depictions of the site's triumphal arch and the nave served as models for many other representations of the Virgin Mary created during subsequent centuries. The building contains a 14th-century bell tower, the highest in the city. The site's 16th-century coffered ceiling is said to be gilded with Incan gold that Christopher Columbus initially brought for his patrons, Spain's joint rulers Ferdinand and Isabella. The church also includes a museum that details the history of the site and features several notable works of art. Using our international travel planner, Rome attractions like Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Tours to Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore reviews
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Perfect guiding of Doriana made my trip to Vatican to the real miracle. Absolutely wonderful experience.
Perfect guiding of Doriana made my trip to Vatican to the real miracle. Absolutely wonderful experience. more »
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Awe inspiring church. Absolutely massive inside. Free to enter but bags have to go through a scanner. The domes are illuminated at night and as it was very close to our hotel it always felt like...
Awe inspiring church. Absolutely massive inside. Free to enter but bags have to go through a scanner. The domes are illuminated at night and as it was very close to our hotel it always felt like... more »
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One of the most beautiful Basilica's in Rome. Very close to Roma Terminal Station. Entrance is free. The basilica is huge with high and beautiful ceiling, marble carvings and mosaics. The interiors are simply stunning. Visitors are expected to maintain silence and be respectful of the place. A visit to this Basilica is highly recommended and is worth visiting.
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Beautiful and unique artwork…. Very different than what you see in the other major cathedrals in Rome. Full of gorgeous mosaics. The building itself is grand and in the heart of several districts that offer shopping and restaurants, also very close to Termini and easy to access. Not really too crowded
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