visit Santa Maria Maggiore in rome
In the heart of Rome, amidst faith, art, and millennia of history, stands the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most beloved and visited sites in Christianity. It is the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the West and the only one among the four papal basilicas that has preserved its original early Christian structure.
A treasure trove of extraordinary mosaics, unique artworks, and sacred relics, Santa Maria Maggiore serves as a bridge between heaven and earth, where spirituality and beauty merge into a singular experience. Here lies the miraculous icon of Salus Populi Romani, before which Pope Francis has prayed since the first day of his papacy.
Visiting this basilica is not just about admiring a masterpiece of sacred art; it’s an inner journey, a chance to touch the faith of the centuries and breathe in the living soul of Rome.
Book your visit or a guided tour and let yourself be enchanted by a place that has touched the hearts of popes, pilgrims, and travelers throughout time.
"DO NOT LET HOPE BE STOLEN" - POPE FRANCESCO
With a gesture of deep simplicity and devotion, Pope Francis has chosen the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his burial place. This decision reflects his profound connection with the Virgin Mary and his humble spirituality, close to the people.
Throughout his papacy, the Pope has visited the icon of Salus Populi Romani several times to entrust to Mary every journey, every prayer, every step.
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VISIT ST. PETER'S BASILICA + PAPAL BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
Discover the spiritual heart of Rome! Visit the majestic St. Peter's Basilica and the historic Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis rests. Book your combined ticket now and experience a unique pilgrimage among faith, art and history.
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM. Hours may vary during solemn celebrations or special events. It is advisable to always check the updated schedule before your visit to better plan your pilgrimage.
The Basilica is located in Rome, in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, on the Esquiline Hill. It is just a short walk from Termini Station, in a central position easily accessible by foot or public transport. An essential stop for every pilgrim visiting the Eternal City.
Santa Maria Maggiore is easily reachable from Termini Station in about 5 minutes on foot. It is served by the metro (Lines A and B, Termini stop) and by numerous buses. Those arriving by car can find parking nearby, but the use of public transportation is recommended.
The tomb of Pope Francis will be located inside the Basilica, in an area that is clearly visible and easily accessible to pilgrims. It will be situated near the main chapels, in a space that will allow for moments of prayer, reflection, and homage to the memory of the Pope.
The average duration of a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is about 45 minutes. Those who wish to also explore the museum, the Loggia of Blessings, and participate in a guided tour can expect a total time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire experience.
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is accessible to people with disabilities. Barrier-free entrances and wheelchair-friendly pathways are available. The staff is on hand to provide assistance to pilgrims who need support during their visit.
Organize Your Pilgrimage and Your Visit
FAQ
Entry to the basilica for prayer and free visits is free of charge. However, to access special areas such as the museum, the Loggia of Blessings, or to participate in guided tours, it is necessary to purchase a ticket.
Masses are celebrated every day, with times distributed throughout the morning and afternoon. The exact times may vary, so it is advisable to check them on the official website of the basilica or at the entrance.
Yes, it is possible, but during the celebrations, utmost respect and silence are recommended. Access to certain tourist areas may be temporarily limited during Masses or solemn events.
The tomb of Pope Francis is located inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in an area that is visible and accessible to the faithful, near the main chapels.
Booking is not compulsory for free admission, but is strongly recommended if you wish to take part in a guided tour or visit restricted areas such as the museum.
Yes, Santa Maria Maggiore has barrier-free entrances and internal routes suitable for persons with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs.
The free visit takes about 45 minutes. If you also intend to visit the museum and take part in a guided tour, we recommend at least 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed, without flash or bulky equipment. Photography is not permitted during liturgical celebrations.
The best times are in the early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tourists and it is quieter.
Yes, there are religious shops inside the basilica and in the immediate vicinity where you can buy rosaries, holy pictures and other souvenirs.
What to see in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore
Visiting the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore means immersing yourself in one of the most extraordinary places in Christianity, where art, history, and spirituality have coexisted for over sixteen centuries. It is the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the four papal basilicas in Rome. Every corner of the building tells a millennial story, preserved among ancient mosaics, majestic chapels, sacred relics, and architectural masterpieces.
Inside the basilica, you can admire the extraordinary 5th-century paleochristian mosaics that decorate the central nave and the triumphal arch, depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the childhood of Christ. These are some of the oldest existing Christian mosaic testimonies, created shortly after the Council of Ephesus, which proclaimed Mary as the Mother of God. In the apse, you will find the famous mosaic of the Coronation of the Virgin, created by Jacopo Torriti, one of the greatest examples of Roman medieval art.
A central element of the basilica is the icon of Salus Populi Romani, housed in the Pauline or Borghese Chapel. This Marian image, of Byzantine origin, has been the object of deep popular veneration for centuries and is particularly dear to Pope Francis, who has chosen to pray before it before and after each apostolic journey. As a testament to his devotion, the Pope himself has expressed the desire to be buried in this basilica, further reinforcing its spiritual significance for the faithful around the world.
Also of great artistic and devotional value is the Sistine Chapel, commissioned by Pope Sixtus V, which houses the precious reliquary of the Holy Cradle, linked to the birth of Jesus. The basilica’s golden ceiling, according to tradition, was adorned with the first gold that arrived from the Americas, donated by the Spanish monarchs. The Cosmatesque floor, with its colored marble geometries, guides visitors through a journey of beauty and harmony.
Inside the basilica, you will also find the tombs of popes, cardinals, and saints. With a guided tour, it is possible to access areas typically closed to the public, such as the museum, which preserves vestments, manuscripts, and ancient liturgical objects, and the Loggia of Blessings, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the square.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is much more than a monument; it is a living place, a center of pilgrimage, and a silent guardian of faith, where every detail invites contemplation. You can visit it freely or book a ticket or guided tour to discover its wonders and its unique spiritual significance in depth.
