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Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

4.8

#6 of 525 in Historic Sites in Rome

Religious Site Historic Site

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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.

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Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

15,910 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.9

125 likes

• By 688lindsayw

  amazing place , blown away by this place , beautiful and peaceful need to visit , this building wow !  more »

• By Roland B

  This church, along with 3 others once served as the seat of papacy. If you are a history buff of church history, this is a must see. Typical os interiors of the era, the outside facade does not tell....  more »

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Google

• By Tony Cummings

  Gorgeous and enormous. One of those things that makes you stop in awe. Regardless of religion, the architecture and art contained within are gorgeous, never mind the services and singing. It’s also free - so easily worth a stop in to sit, meditate and rest while you listen to the choirs or organs.

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• By Audrey Curley

  Got the surprise of my life, the only way I can describe it is majestic. Inside gives you such a feeling of peace and all the way round there are priests in booths where you can go to confession and they are in every language in the world.It was a truly wonderful experience. So glad I went in

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