• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore stands as the preeminent Papal major basilica and is recognized as the most expansive Catholic Marian church in Rome, earning the designation “major” due to its considerable size.
  Among the Patriarchal Basilicas in Rome, the Basilica of St. Mary Major remains the sole edifice to preserve its initial architecture, albeit with several enhancements over time.

The basilica houses the revered icon of Salus Populi Romani, which portrays the Blessed Virgin Mary as the guardian and benefactor of the Roman populace. This sacred image was ceremoniously crowned by Pope Gregory XVI on August 15, 1838, an event underscored by his Papal bull Cælestis Regina.

• Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people
• Pick-up service included
• Live tour guide for personalized experience

• Tips
• Drop off

Though expanded and revamped, the basilica preserves a considerable portion of its initial fifth-century design. Parts of the temple served as the papal home after the papacy relocated from Avignon to Rome, until the comprehensive refurbishment of the Vatican palace. Relish its fifth-century mosaics, a relic claimed to contain a portion of the manger which cradled baby Jesus, an age-old icon of the Virgin Mary, along with the graves of St. Jerome and artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Additionally, the Sistine Chapel can also be found within the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, attributed to Pope Sixtus V.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.