We arrived in Rome by train in the early evening, but we wanted to make the most of the remainder…read moreof our day. We took a bus over and ate a quick dinner nearby before getting in line for the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore 30 minutes before closing. Entrance is free. There is a security check before entering and the line moved pretty quickly. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four basilicas in Rome and it is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a wealthy Roman couple and Pope Liberius, instructing them to build a church where snow would miraculously fall in August. The next morning, August 5th snow reportedly blanketed the Esquiline Hill, marking the site of the basilica. Every August 5th, white rose petals are dropped from the ceiling to celebrate the "Miracle of the Snow." The interior was absolutely stunning. From the ceiling to the walls, and all of the paintings and sculptures were magnificent. This basilica houses some of the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary in art. It also holds the holy crib relic that contains pieces of the manger where Jesus was laid. This was the first basilica we visited in Rome and we also saw how there were multiple confession boxes with a Priest assigned and their language and hours. Very modern. I guess that helps with people of all ethnic backgrounds coming to Rome for their religious pilgrimages. I was so impressed by this basilica when we visited, but to be honest I am so glad we came here before seeing St Peter's Basilica because I would have been underwhelmed by compare if I went there first. I recommend coming here before going to St. Peter's Basilica so you can feel impressed here, and then even more impressed at St Peter's Basilica.

Such a special moment getting to pay our respects & visit the resting place of Pope Frances during…read moreThe 2025 Jubilee (on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 4:30pm) at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) when my husband & I were visiting Rome, Italy for the 2nd time (09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025). Even though, this was our 2nd time in Rome, we had not previously visited the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore so for sure it was on the itinerary as a must-do for a few special reasons - - ---- Final resting place of Pope Frances after his death in April 2025. The Pope requested his tomb to very simple w/ only the inscription of "Franciscus" & it is exactly that, which only makes it even more special. During our visit (Thursday, 09/25/25) there was a line to get in however, we only had to wait about 20 mins before getting inside the basilica. I did want to mention that when we walked by a few days later on a Saturday, the line to get in was so much longer than it was just a few days before during the weekday so definitely plan your visit for a weekday, if possible. --- Holy Door : There is a Holy Door located at this basilica, which is only opened every 25 years during the Jubilee years and 2025 is a Jubilee year so we were able to walk through the open Holy Door when we visited on 09/25/2025. You don't have to be Catholic and/or religious to walk through the holy door and trust me, it is a very special moment for all who walk through the holy door at this grand basilica. Fyi(s): -- - Security line: during our visit, we did have to go through security screening before entering the basilica however, I don't know if this was because it was a Jubilee year and/or if this is how it will be even after it is no longer a Jubilee year now that Pope Frances is buried at this basilica. (I guess I'll have to make a 3rd trip to Rome do I can give an update on this review! :)) -- - Be respectful w/ no photos/videos inside the basilica. This one always rubs me the wrong way, when there are signs clearly posted both outside and inside a basilica stating that no pics/videos are allowed and this basilica even had an attendant near Pope Frances's stone, trying to enforce this however, people kept taking photos and videos. Please note that the pics/videos, included w/ this review were taken of the outside. -- - Free to visit : No appointment is needed to visit & it is free however, I do recommend that you take some money w/ you so you can give an offering during your visit. Hope this info helps! Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (USA) 09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025

This is one of the Major Papal Basilicas in Rome, located a bit farther from the city center…read more English name is The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Accessible via train and Taxi or bus. The train is located about a few minutes walk behind the church. We were able to visit this Basilica 3x. For the Jubilee Year 2025, 2x. This Basilica is very huge and has paintings of all the Popes and the apostles. A must see Basilica! It also houses St. Paul the apostle's tomb where his remains lie. It also has the Holy Chains - in a reliquary, which bound St. Paul. On our 2nd visit to Rome, it was still covid time and this I consider by far probably the less crowded of the Basilicas. They have a museum which you give a donation of 1euro to explore. I also find their gift shop the biggest and have the most choices of religious souvenirs. Their cafe is also loaded with gelato and variety of snack items. Definitely a must see when in Rome. January 2026

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Italian: Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is…read moredefinitely a must-see if ever in Rome because this basilica is special for so many reasons! My hubby and I visited during our 1st trip to Rome (on September 30, 2023) while celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary (yep, love was in the air! ;) I came across this basilica when researching attractions located near/around the Airbnb that we were staying at in the Ostiense neighborhood and after reading about it, I just had to add it to our Rome itinerary. See the many pics and videos included w/ this review from our visit on 09/30/2023 -- just know that despite my best efforts, they don't fully capture just how beautiful and impressive this basilica is in person. And these pics & videos definitely couldn't capture what I felt when I 1st walked inside and saw the beautiful, gold ceiling that looked like it was glowing! (Brief History) This basilica was built above the tomb of St. Paul in Rome and is one of the 4 major basilicas of Rome. It was consecrated AD 4th century. It's also the 2nd largest church in the Italian capital after St. Peter's. Located inside is the sarcophagus of St. Paul. (Special-ness Specs) -- Gallery of The Popes -- (see the pics & videos included w/ this review) Inside the basilica there are 5 rooms w/ the central one having 80 granite and marble columns and there you will see the portraits of every past pope since St. Peter -- 266 total (awesome display) -- Doors at St. Peter's -- (see pics & videos) 1. The Holy Door - one of the four holy doors is located here, holy doors are only opened every 25 yrs during Jubilee (2025 is the next Jubilee in Rome) 2. The Byzantine Door--the door dates back to the 11th century has 54 panels 3. Outdoor courtyard w/ the beautiful St. Paul monument (Additional helpful info) -- Free to visit but bring some cash so you can leave an offering -- There is a dress code - no knees, stomach, or shoulders can be shown. During our visit there were plastic, disposable shawls at the front door once you entered into the basilica that visitors were asked to use if they were wearing shorts that had their knees showing or if they had on a sleeveless top on. -- not as crowded/busy as St. Peter's basilica so you're able to take your time during your visit Rome has so many beautiful and historic basilica's and during our time in Rome, we did get to experience so many of them and yes, while each of them were special in their own way, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls was my favorite and I'm so very grateful that I was able to experience such historic beauty. Till next time, Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (United States) on 09/30/2023

When in Trastevere, it is always breathtaking to visit the Altieri Chapel to view one of Gian…read moreLorenzo Bernini's last sculptures: "Blessed Ludovica Albertoni" (1671-74), an absolute masterpiece.

Wonderful church on the other side of the river away from the touristy parts of Rome. Even though…read moreit is a little way from central Rome, there were a number of people wondering around here in the late afternoon. It is definitely well worth the walk here. The architecture is grand. One thing about Roman churches is that from the outside it might not look like much but once you enter, it is a lot different with the light, architecture, and size on the inside.

The garden in front is beautiful and great for pictures and taking a short little stroll. The…read moreinside is amazing with historic art and sculptures. On a warm day you can walk in, have a seat and relax. Sometimes you get a bonus when the nuns or priests do their chants. There is no drinking fountain or restroom available at the church or on the church grounds as far as we could see.

In English: Lateran Basilica or Saint John Lateran. This Basilica is one of the Major Basilicas in…read moreRome which serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome and the head of the worldwide Catholic Church which is the Pope. Like any other churches in Rome, this basilica is also beautiful. On a regular day, St. John lateran Basilica is normally quiet and dark but as per hubby he found a switch that you drop a coin to turn on the lights of the main altar of the church. During the Jubilee year, it was not as crowded as other basilicas but there are people as well paying homage. This is also considered the oldest church in the city of Rome. Definitely worth visiting. Is also located close to Scala Sancta or the Holy Stairs. February 2026

Such a beautiful Basilica! This one rivals some of the grand, ornate Basilicas we visited in Spain…read moreand Marseille. Getting in was simple and quick, they do have metal detectors and security to walk through before getting to the main entrance, but that was quick. Once inside, the ceilings were notably impressive. The colors and paintings were so detailed! Architecture was also extraordinary! Definitely highly recommended to visit!

We peeked inside the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere while we were walking around Trastevere…read more It was smaller and less busy than most of the other churches we saw on our trip, more of your neighborhood 3rd century basilica. I guess it is one of the oldest churches in Rome. There's an inscription on the episcopal throne stating it was the first one dedicated to Jesus's mother Mary. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore says different. Perhaps a gang war is in order to sort things out. It's a beautiful church, anchoring its own lovely piazza (the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere). The exterior features a 13th century mosaic and a towering campanile from the 12th century, when most of the current version of the basilica was built. The interior is ornate and decked out in gold, with a ceiling that felt elaborate and expensive, even for Rome. For all this, the church was a quiet place. I'm sure many of the people sitting in the pews were in fact tourists, but the vibe was worshipful enough that we hung back from running up and gawking at the altar. If you're exploring the neighborhood, don't miss the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. It's a historically important church, and you can just walk in and look around without dealing with a crowd.

What a beautiful Basilica in Trastévere, Rome. From the outside it does not look as impressive as…read moresome of the others we have seen, but once inside you see the beauty. We were at the Piazza and when we saw it was open we went in and were amazed. The art work is beautiful! The church is beautiful. Never judge a book by its cover.

IG lead me here. I am so glad I came. I love history and religious relics and also churches and…read morebasilicas in general It came to my attention that the Column of the Flagellation is housed here, an alleged segment of the pillar or column upon which Jesus was flogged before his crucifixion in Jerusalem. This church also has beautiful breathtaking Mosaics dating back to the 1800's This church is located down a small street almost an alley way and at first I felt like maybe I got dropped off at the wrong location lol but trust me you are not lost, it is not far from Saint Mary Major Basilica

I came here because somebody on one of those tour busses said that there were a number of Popes…read moreburied in this basilica, though it turns out that I actually have little knowledge of the umpteen number of Popes that have held the position throughout the ages, so when I came in here I really had no idea what I was looking at. The interesting thing about this place though is that it is hidden down a side street and can be easily missed. It is a musky old church, and does have a little charm.

This Basilica is home to the Mouth of the Truth mask, and that is why i came here to see it and…read moreexperience it Also known as Bocca della Verita, it is a massive ancient Roman marble mask thought to be a drain covering depicting the Greco-Roman god Oceanus; it was moved to the church in the twelfth century. A medieval legend states that if a person places a hand inside the mouth ("bocca") and then swears falsely, the mouth will close and sever the hand. The Basilica itself is not to big. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary A must do when in Rome

Worth the quick wait in line for the picture with the Mouth of Truth…read more Once inside, the church is beautiful. You can light a candle with St. Valentine to wish for love or keep your love.