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Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma, Lazio

Description

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and one of only four Major papal basilicas. It is owned by the Holy See even though it is not on the territory of the Vatican City State. Construction on the church started in the early 5th century in traditional Roman style but additions and renovations were made until the 18th century, so it also exhibits a Baroque style. Inside, the highlights include the image of Salus Populi Romani depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 5th century mosaics in the nave and triumphal arch, the Borghese Chapel, and the Crypt of the Nativity Trivia: the other three Major basilicas are St. John in the Lateran, St. Peter, and St. Paul outside the Walls

Access & Transport

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore The church is located 300m from the Termini train station (one of the largest in Rome) that is connected directly to the Fiumicini airport (30mins). There is also a metro station (MEA, MEB, MEB1), tram (5, 14) and plenty of bus services at Termini. Right next to the church are tram stations Farini and Napoleone III (5, 14) and several bus stops.

Instructions & Recommendations

From the Basilica, you can head towards the Roman Forum & Colosseo or towards Palazzo del Quirinale / Trevi Fountain.

Meta review

The Basilica features high on culturally oriented travel guidebooks and blogs. Online reviews are also excellent, travellers enjoy the mosaics, decorated ceilings and, in general, the multitude of art throughout the church. The free entrance also gets the thumbs up as does the practical location, a short walk from the train station.

Environmental & Social

The ongoing environmental footprint is low. Helps maintain the city's cultural and architectural heritage

Conclusion

The wealth of art and decoration within the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is quite astonishing and it is surprising that it isn't more crowded, not that it's an issue! Highly recommended for those keen on religious art and architecture

Key positive

Amazing artwork throughout the nave, altars, and the various chapels

Close to a public transport hub and not too busy

Free entrance

Key negative

None

Suitability

No religious denomination restriction but visitors should dress conservatively since it is a church. Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

April 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Monday07:00 - 18:45

Tuesday07:00 - 18:45

Wednesday07:00 - 18:45

Thursday07:00 - 18:45

Friday07:00 - 18:45

Saturday07:00 - 18:45

Sunday07:00 - 18:45

Pricing
Free

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