Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour
Description
Although enlarged and redecorated, the basilica retains much of its original structure of the fifth century. In the years following the return of the papacy to Rome from Avignon, part of the church was used as a papal residence until the complete renovation of the Vatican palace. Admire its mosaics of the fifth century, a reliquary that is said to contain a piece of the crib that once held baby Jesus, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, the tomb of St. Jerome and the tomb of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.There is also the Sistine Chapel in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, dedicated to Pope Sixtus V.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a Papal major basilica and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome from which size it receives the appellation "major". Among the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, St. Mary Major is the only one to have kept its original structure, though it has been enhanced over the course of years. The basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary as the help 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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is included for all accommodation within Aurelian Walls. If your hotel is not in the list send us an email with your hotel /B&B/accomodation in Rome, we will let you know if the pick up is included.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirement
Reviews(10)
The church is a must see. From the Popes buried there, to the history on the walls, including the New and Old Testament s depicted in the paintings. Boromini is buried also at this church. Christianity has built this church over several centuries. Our guide said it was a church of the people, which is why some Popes have decided to be buried inside. This is one you really don't want to miss. The day we went in January was cold and rainy. Make sure you are dressed warmly, if the church is heated I could not tell. To me it was very cold. Pay attention to the side Chapel, one has cherub and Angels in black marble, not the usual white. According to our guide, she indicated this was done to enhance the gold decorations, of which this church has everywhere.
Thank you so much for your review! We're glad you enjoyed the beautiful Basilica.
For those who have faith... our Mother Major. Fantastic, beautiful basilica, with wonderful works. Worth every second... for Catholics eh possible to confess.
Thank you for your review!
The description was a 2 hour small group tour with hotel pickup. The guide left after 40 minutes. Hotel pickup was great and fortunately the car stayed till the guide showed up. It was extremely hot curtailing what could be discussed outdoors.
Very nice building; I wish we had this sort of building in Australia. Recommend visiting this place
Luisa was very sweet and patient explaining every step of our tour. A true gem this church and nice location to get a bite afterwards.
Splendorous monument and mother Church of Rome. A mandatory place to visit and enjoy all the art inside.
Wonderful experience. The ceiling is stunning. Everyone who comes to visit la Citta Eterna has to visit the church. The mosaics are exceptional. Also the rosette
Thanks a lot for your review, we are glad you enjoyed it.
On Piazza di Santa Maria, this very nice papal basilica has a lot of treasures ; it's a museum to visit with a guide or alone; the first crib, a scuptured work in white marble and representing the Virgin with the Child, San Joseph and the three Wise Men and also the donkey and ox; it's the first crib created by the artist named Arnolfo di Cambio from pape Nicolo V; (Hommage to San Nicolas today) visit also the archaelogical excavations, la sala di Papi and scala di Bernini.
We thoroughly enjoyed our guide on this tour! He was extremely knowledgeable about the basilica and his enthusiasm was infectious!
Thank you for the 5stars review! Our guides are always happy to receive positive feedbacks, and we're also glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour of the beautiful basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
