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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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