Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Description

One of the four patriarchal basilicas of Rome (along with Saint Peter’s church, the basilica of Saint John Lateran and the basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls), this imposing church is sumptuously embellished with frescoes and dozens of square metres of polished marbled and lapis lapsulae.

Built on the highest point of the Esquiline hill in the 5th century by Pope Sixtus III, according to legend the basilica was built following a fall of snow sent by the Virgin Mary in August in order to indicate the exact location of the church.

For visitors

Guided tours

No entrance fee charged