The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore Rome stands majestically on the Esquiline Hill, representing one of the most important places of worship in the Eternal City. This complete guide will accompany you in discovering St Mary Major, sharing essential information such as opening hours, Santa Maria Maggiore tickets, notable Santa Maria Maggiore burials, and fascinating facts that make visiting Santa Maria Maggiore Rome a unique experience.

Where is Santa Maria Maggiore Located in Rome: Position and How to Get There

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is situated on the Esquiline Hill, in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore. Its central location makes St Mary Major easily accessible:

• By metro: Line A, Termini station (10-minute walk)
• By bus: Lines 16, 70, 71, 75, 360, 590, 649
• On foot: 10 minutes from Termini Station, 15 minutes from the Colosseum

The imposing Baroque façade and the tall medieval bell tower (the tallest in Rome at 75 meters) make the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore immediately recognizable even from a distance.

Santa Maria Maggiore Tickets and Visiting Hours

Before visiting Santa Maria Maggiore, it’s important to know the opening hours and ticket information:

• Basilica opening hours: Every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Museum and archaeological areas: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
• Liturgical celebration times: Check the basilica’s official website

Santa Maria Maggiore tickets information:

• Entry to the basilica: Free
• Museum and archaeological areas: Paid entry (€10, discounts available)
• Audio guides: Available in various languages (€5)

Recommended dress code: As in all places of worship in Rome, respectful attire is required (covered shoulders and knees).

Millenary History of St Mary Major in Rome

The foundation of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore dates back to the 4th century AD and is tied to a fascinating legend. According to tradition, on the night between August 4th and 5th, 352 AD, the Madonna appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius and the patrician John, asking them to build a church where they would find snow the following day.

Miraculously, despite it being the height of summer, on the morning of August 5th, a snowfall outlined the perimeter of the building on the Esquiline Hill. This event is the origin of St Mary Major’s other name: “Saint Mary of the Snow.” Even today, on August 5th, this event is celebrated with an evocative reenactment of the miraculous snowfall.

The Artistic Treasures of Santa Maria Maggiore Rome

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore houses an invaluable artistic heritage that makes it an unmissable stop for anyone visiting the Eternal City:

External Architecture

• Baroque façade from the 18th century
• Romanesque bell tower from the 14th century (the tallest in Rome)
• Egyptian obelisk in the square in front of St Mary Major

Majestic Interiors

• Medieval Cosmatesque floor
• Golden coffered ceiling, created with the first gold brought from the Americas
• Central nave with 5th-century paleochristian mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament
• Triumphal arch with 5th-century mosaics dedicated to Christ’s childhood

Main Chapels

• Sistine Chapel (the original, not the one in the Vatican): Built by Pope Sixtus V, it houses his funerary monument
• Pauline Chapel: A splendid example of Roman Baroque, it houses the Byzantine icon of the Madonna “Salus Populi Romani”
• Nativity Crypt: Preserves the relics of the manger from Bethlehem, which is why Santa Maria Maggiore Rome is also called “Saint Mary of the Crib”

Santa Maria Maggiore Rome Facts: 5 Things You Didn’t Know

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore hides numerous interesting facts that make it even more fascinating:

1. It’s the only papal basilica that has preserved its original paleochristian structure, despite numerous embellishment interventions over the centuries.
2. The golden coffered ceiling was created using the first gold brought from the Americas, donated by the Spanish sovereigns Ferdinand and Isabella to Pope Alexander VI.
3. St Mary Major houses an acoustic rarity: in certain precise points of the central nave, it’s possible to hear the echo bounce up to seven times.
4. It’s one of the very few churches in the world to enjoy the privilege of extraterritoriality, being under the jurisdiction of the Holy See despite being in Italian territory.
5. It houses the oldest Marian representation of the Christian West in the mosaics of the triumphal arch.

Santa Maria Maggiore Burials: From Ancient Popes to Pope Francis

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore has recently become a place of extraordinary importance for faithful from all over the world, welcoming Pope Francis’s tomb to its already impressive collection of Santa Maria Maggiore burials. The Pontiff, who passed away on April 21, 2025, was buried in St Mary Major on April 26, 2025, according to his wishes.

Notable Santa Maria Maggiore Burials

St Mary Major houses several important papal tombs, making it a significant site for Santa Maria Maggiore burials. These include:

• Pope Honorius III (pontificate 1216-1227)
• Pope Nicholas IV (1288-1292)
• Pope Pius V (1566-1572)
• Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590)
• Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605)
• Pope Paul V (1605-1621)
• Pope Clement IX (1667-1669)
• Pope Francis (pontificate 2013-2025)

Beyond papal burials, the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore also houses the tombs of illustrious artists, including Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose tombs are located in the right side nave, distinguished by a simple Latin epigraph.

Pope Francis’s Tomb

Pope Francis’s tomb has been placed in the left nave of Santa Maria Maggiore Rome, precisely between the Pauline Chapel – where the Pontiff often went to pray before the icon of the Madonna Salus Populi Romani – and the Sforza Chapel, near the Altar of Saint Francis.

The sepulcher was made with marble from Liguria, the homeland of the Pontiff’s grandparents, and is characterized by a simple inscription: “Franciscus.” This choice reflects the sober style that distinguished his pontificate.

Hours to Visit the Burials

For those who wish to pay homage to the tombs in Santa Maria Maggiore, access is possible during the same opening hours of the basilica: from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM every day. No special tickets are required to visit the Santa Maria Maggiore burials.

Security Measures and Influx of the Faithful

Following Pope Francis’s burial, St Mary Major has become the destination of an impressive pilgrimage. On Sunday alone, 70,000 visitors were recorded, eager to pay their last respects to the Holy Father.

To manage the extraordinary influx of visitors, the authorities have implemented a new organizational model:

• Traffic modifications: Closure of Piazza dell’Esquilino, Via Liberiana, and Via dell’Esquilino, transformed into pedestrian islands
• Reorganized access system: Mobile barriers and channeling systems for the faithful in line
• Enhanced security checks: Installation of “multiple passage” metal detector portals to facilitate the entry of those without bags or luggage
• Reinforced presence of law enforcement: Teams and specialized units for risk prevention, particularly related to the terrorist threat

Santa Maria Maggiore Rome Webcam: Admire the Basilica Live

For those wishing to admire the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore from afar, a webcam is available that broadcasts live images of the square and the façade of the church. The Santa Maria Maggiore Rome webcam also allows viewers to watch special events, such as the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Snow on August 5th.

Practical Solution for Travelers: Radical Storage

For those wishing to visit St Mary Major on the day of check-in or check-out from their accommodation, Radical Storage offers a convenient luggage storage service in the immediate vicinity. The service is available starting from €5 per day per bag, regardless of size, and includes a protection guarantee. The storage points are strategically located in the area, allowing visitors to explore the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore and its surroundings in total freedom.

In the Surroundings of Rome Santa Maria Maggiore

After visiting St Mary Major, it’s worth exploring the surroundings:

• Basilica of Santa Prassede: Just a 5-minute walk away, famous for its Byzantine mosaics
• Rione Esquilino: Multicultural neighborhood with a lively gastronomic offer
• Piazza Vittorio Market: The largest multi-ethnic market in the capital
• Via Merulana: Elegant shopping street that connects Santa Maria Maggiore to San Giovanni in Laterano

Why Visit the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore Rome represents an invaluable treasure of art, history, and spirituality in the heart of the Eternal City. Its extraordinary architectural beauty, precious paleochristian mosaics, and fascinating history make St Mary Major an essential stop for anyone visiting Rome.

Whether you are pilgrims seeking spirituality or enthusiasts of art and history, a visit to Santa Maria Maggiore Rome will leave you with an indelible memory of your Roman experience.

Recommended visiting hours: Early morning (7:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the basilica in its most authentic atmosphere.