In the heart of Rome stands one of the most important basilicas in Christendom: Santa Maria Maggiore.
Located on the Esquiline Hill, this basilica is an extraordinary example of religious architecture, sacred art and millennial history.
Of the four papal basilicas in Rome, it is the only one that preserves the original early Christian structure, although it has been enriched over the centuries by numerous artistic and architectural interventions.
To visit it is to immerse oneself in a place where the sacred and the beautiful coexist harmoniously.
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is the burial place of Pope Francis, who chose it to replace the Vatican Caves.
In this article we will discover the origins and transformations of the Basilica, its artistic and spiritual treasures, and all the practical directions to reach it easily, either on foot or by public transport.
The history of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
According to tradition, Our Lady herself indicated the site of the future basilica in 352 A.D. with a miraculous snowfall on the Esquiline Hill on the night of August 5, an event commemorated every year with a shower of white petals inside the church.
Pope Liberius drew the outline of the future building in the snow, giving it the popular name of “Madonna of the Snow“.
The current construction was begun under Pope Sixtus III (432-440) after the Council of Ephesus proclaimed Mary “Theotokos,” Mother of God. Since then, St. Mary Major has remained one of the most important centers of Marian devotion.
Over the centuries, the Basilica has undergone numerous transformations and restorations, reflecting the various artistic styles and liturgical needs of different periods.
In the Middle Ages it became an important center of pilgrimage and spiritual activity, and in the Renaissance and Baroque periods it was enriched with valuable works of art.
The Architecture of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome
The building has undergone many transformations, but it retains its original 5th century nave with magnificent Ionic columns and a three-nave structure. The basilica is a rare example of a fusion of early Christian, Baroque and Renaissance styles.
Among the most remarkable elements:
- The gilded coffered ceiling, commissioned by Pope Alexander VI and made with the first gold brought back from the Americas by Christopher Columbus.
- The magnificent 12th-century cosmatesque floor.
- The bell tower, the highest in Rome (75 meters), built in 1377.
Santa Maria Maggiore is also famous for its 5th century mosaics that decorate the triumphal arch and the nave. They tell episodes from the Old Testament, while the apse mosaics (13th century) depict the Coronation of the Virgin.
Authentic works of art, these mosaics represent one of the oldest and most intact testimonies of Christian mosaic art.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: Pope Francis’ Rest
Many popes have shown special devotion to Santa Maria Maggiore.
Pope Pius IX celebrated the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception there. John Paul II often went there to pray.
Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has chosen to visit the Basilica before and after each apostolic journey, and to place flowers on the altar of the Salus Populi Romani, a much venerated Marian icon.
One of the most touching chapters in the recent history of the Basilica concerns Pope Francis’ wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
With this choice, the Pope wanted to reaffirm his deep bond with the Virgin Mary and the Roman people.
The tomb of Pope Francis is located in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, i.e. the Icon to whom the Pope always entrusted his pontificate) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, near the altar of St. Francis.
This desire testifies to the desire for simplicity, closeness and spiritual continuity with Mary, to whom the Argentinean Pope has always entrusted his journey.
Where the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is located
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is located in the center of Rome, on the Esquiline Hill, at Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 42.
It is strategically located just a 5-minute walk from Termini Station, the capital’s main rail and metro hub, making it easily accessible for those arriving from outside the city as well as those moving within Rome.
How to get to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome
To get to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, we recommend four ways.
By subway
Line A (red): get off at the Termini stop. From there, the basilica is a 5-minute walk. Just exit on Via Giolitti or Via Cavour and follow the signs to Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Line B (blue): again, get off at Termini and proceed on foot as above.
By Bus
There are numerous urban lines that stop near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore:
Lines 16, 70, 75, 105, 360, 590, H
Recommended stop: Farini/Santa Maria Maggiore or Gioberti
Or you can get off directly at Termini Station and walk a few minutes to the Basilica.
Walking
If you are already in the historic center, Santa Maria Maggiore can be reached with a pleasant walk from:
- Via Nazionale (10 minutes)
- Colosseum (15-20 minutes)
- Piazza Venezia (15 minutes)
By Car or Taxi
If you arrive by car, remember that the area is ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), so access is limited during the day (especially on weekdays).
You can park nearby in private garages, such as on Via Giolitti or Via Cavour.
Cabs can drop you off directly in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Where to stay near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
If you are planning to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and would like to stay nearby, the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino is an excellent choice.
Located in the heart of the Monti district, one of Rome’s most authentic neighborhoods, this elegant 4-star hotel offers modern comforts and a strategic location for exploring the city.
The hotel is located on Via Cavour 213/M, about an 8-minute walk from the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and within walking distance of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forum.
In addition, the Cavour subway station (line B) is a short distance away, making it easy to get to other attractions in the city.
Rooms at the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino are spacious, well-appointed and equipped with all modern conveniences, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a mini-bar.
The hotel has an in-house restaurant serving traditional Italian and Roman cuisine and a cozy bar open to non-hotel guests.