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Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy
39 6 488 1094
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Ranked #13 of 535 attractions in Rome
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Type: Religious Sites, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Historic Sites, Churches/ Cathedrals
Traveler Description: Basilica of St. Mary Major  Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore   Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42  Transport:  Metro Line B – Cavour.  Hours:  Open... more »
Useful Information: Stairs / elevator
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1,237 reviews from our community

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Moscow, Russia
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

It is so fantastic basilica that I don't have enough words to describe it! Really majestic and wonderfull! Everyone who visit Rome should come and see Santa Maria Maggiore!

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See 4 more reviews by Ksenia_Souldeaf for Rome
Valkenburg, The Netherlands
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

At the last day we went to this Basilica. It was a last moment call. But i'm very glad we did. This is so beautiful, you don't want to miss this.

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See 2 more reviews by Menniej for Rome
Philadelphia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

Well worth a visit, whether you are Catholic or not. My wife is, and she wanted to go to Mass here on Sunday, so I accompanied her. Very moving, and exquisite decor everywhere you look, from the altar to the side chapels to the ceiling. It's over 1500 years old and is still an actual parish as well as an... More

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See 3 more reviews by gfg12 for Rome
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

The Baroque-era sculptor, painter and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini (see his Ecstasy of Santa Teresa in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria, and Fountain of the Four Rivers in the Piazza Navona) is buried in Santa Maria Maggiore. It's difficult to visit Rome and not hear his name mentioned. For someone so well known, his tomb is surprisingly... More

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See 12 more reviews by Nancy M for Rome
Malaga, Spain
Top Contributor
1,473 reviews 1,473 reviews
1,317 attraction reviews
Reviews in 121 cities Reviews in 121 cities
1,335 helpful votes 1,335 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

Pope Sixtus III was Pope from 432 to 440 and he attended the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in 431. The Council declared Mary the Mother of God and when Sixtus III became Pope he decided to build the Church of St. Mary Major to honor her. The present church evolved through the ages and was made larger and more beautiful.... More

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See 79 more reviews by BennyMalaga for Rome
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW via mobile

A lovely example off just a small part of Rome s history. Quiet and some amazing design and painting

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latham ny
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
122 helpful votes 122 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Go to the high mass sunday at 10. Cardinals, bishops, incense, oh, and did I mention the mixed chorus with organ and trumnpets ! The mass is in Latin. If your not Catholic you may wanna do some reading so you have a clue of whats going on. (Catholics: the Kyrie and Gloria sung ! Non-catholics: thats two significant parts... More

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See 3 more reviews by FAMILY44444 for Rome
milford, CT
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

Especially the very large chapel to the right hand side of of the altar. So airy and light, with truly lovely artwork and ceiling!!

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See 7 more reviews by vinniedog20 for Rome
Alcala de Henares, spain
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

Make sure you devote some time to visiting this jewel. I know there is a lot to see in Rome but this Bassilica deserves a slot in your agenda.

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Holt, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

Yet another church with fabulous mosaics inside and out. The whole area is worth exploring. Make sure you see the apse lit up.

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See 8 more reviews by SueCharles for Rome

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