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

Beautiful cathedral to see!…read more The catacombs are interesting but as this is till holy ground, the bones have been relocated out of public eye. The tour guide was very informative and friendly. I would recommend it for eduction and history, but not for just seeing bones like the Paris catacombs.

This was a very interesting and meaningful place. We went as part of a golf cart tour we booked…read morethrough Trip Advisor. Not to be morbid, but it was rather disappointing that there weren't actually any bones on display.

I love huge and beautiful old architecture! This is one of…read morethe most ornate churches I've ever seen! It was a beautiful part of our Rome/Vatican City trip. There wasn't a church service going on when we arrived, but the building was crowded anyway. This was a wonderful trip, and the architecture is worth checking out! It's amazing how such an old church still stands.

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the 4 Major Basilicas in Rome and is considered one of the most…read moresacred Catholic sites. Also one of the most beautiful Catholic churches I've been to. In the 4 times I've been there, I have not fully explored the church. 1 day is not enough. They open at 7am and lines can get long if you decide to visit in the middle of the day. So we always try to be there when it opens to beat the crowd and to be able to admire the inside architecture. Make sure to allot probably a day to explore the Basilica. They have a dome that was designed by Michelangelo and is the world's tallest dome. Visitors can climb 551 steps, costing 8-10 euros with a partially available elevator ( the elevator bypasses the 1st 200 steps) and it stops at the roof level. The climb can be strenuous and for claustrophobic individuals, it could be a challenge but the reward is a beautiful view of St. Peter's square and a view of Rome and so much more. When we climb the dome, it was so foggy and we waited an hour to get a good, semi clear view since it was still foggy. St. Peter's Basilica houses Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter's chair, Pope John Paul's tomb which is made into an altar where priests celebrate mass daily. Visiting this Basilica is truly one of the breathtaking, overwhelming experience in every trip that we took to Rome as no one can ever describe the beautiful works from Michelangelo and Bernini. The architecture is just simply magnificent. I will never get tired of visiting St. Peter's Basilica. March 2026

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs can be easily missed. It doesn't look like…read moremuch from the outside but the interior is beautiful. It was built in the 16th century based on a design by Michelangelo. The basilica is a fantastic construction with beautiful frescoes, paintings and sculptures. It is well worth visiting, you won't be disappointed.

Free admission and located in the Piazza della Repubblica, once a bath house and now a church…read more Honestly, we had no idea what we were going to experience when we walked inside, but we are so glad that we did. For starters it doesn't look like a church so when we went inside and realized that it was we were pleasantly surprised. It's stunning to say the least - something to look at in every corner so take your time. The vaulted ceilings, tiled floors, the marble. Every inch is incredible. Michelangelo left his mark here.

A lil bit of a wait to use the mirror but well worth. The line goes pretty fast as along as you…read moredon't have millennials taking picture after pictures. Just walk up , have some common courtesy and take your pic so the line can keep moving quickly

To think, I almost avoided visiting this STUNNING 17th-century church - Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di…read moreLoyola, when visiting Rome, Italy (09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025) because it is Tik-Tok and IG "famous" for being the "mirrored church" to take an iconic selfie... yes, you read that correctly..iconic selfie. I was for sure it was going to be crowded w/ social media influencers and I was correct..it was crowded but don't let that deter you from seeing this historical beauty! Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola is known as the "mirrored church" because it has a mirror strategically placed to see the beautiful painted ceiling fresco. (see pics & videos included in this review from my visit on Tuesday 09/30/2025 - at 10:56am) It also has a painted illusion of having a real soaring dome on a flat ceiling - very cool for sure and does make you look twice just to confirm it's indeed an illusion! Here are a few helpful fyi(s) that I wanted to pass along: --- - long line for the mirror right as you enter the church - if there is a line of people waiting for the mirror, you don't have to wait in that line if you don't want to take a selfie w/ the mirror and are only wanting to see the church...as someone else mentioned in a previous review, you can get creative w/ taking a selfie w/ the beautiful ceiling. My hubby & I took our selfie pic while we were sitting in the pew and used a timer on our phone (see pic included). ---- visit early to avoid the crowds & to fully enjoy your experience at this church Avoid the crowds so you can really take in how detailed and beautiful the architecture and paintings are. Trust me, you'll enjoy your experience so much more w/ less people. ---- it's free to visit but do bring some money w/ you to give as an offering --- just a reminder to be respectful when visiting because it is a holy place Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola truly is something special and of the MANY Rome basilica's I've explored during my 2 visits to Rome, it is now my FAVORITE basilica thus far. Hope this info helps. :)) Rebecca visiting Rome, Italy from Austin, Texas (USA) 09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025

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.

There are churches on every corner in Rome and each one has so much art and history and so much to…read moresee This one is small inside compared to others but located down from the Spanish steps

Rome is a city of churches. If you see one that is open - go in and usually find treasures. This…read moreis a 17th century basilica church devoted to St. Andrew. This church was built over a pre-existing one that was erected in 1192. The apse, the dome and the bell tower are attributed to Borromini, who had worked on the building since 1653. The bell tower is truly amazing - don't forget to look up. Inside, two sculptures by Bernini are preserved: they are of the angels who carried out the Sant' Angelo bridge and that the pontiff wanted to shelter from the ravages of time. They represent "the Angel with the crown of thorns" and "the Angel with the cartouche," showing symbols of the Passion.

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.

A Roman Catholic church in Rome, named after Saint Mary Magdalene…read more Located on the Via della Maddalena, one of the streets leading from the Piazza della Rotonda in the Campo Marzio area of historic Rome. The interior is architecturally complex, it has a Borrominesque elongated octagonal nave, with two chapels at each flank. To the right is the main chapel dedicated and holding the relics of Saint Camillus. In this Chapel the vault was frescoed by Sebastiano Conca. The church also has a Christ, Virgin, and St. Nicolas of Bari by Baciccia and a San Lorenzo Giustiniani with Infant Jesus by Luca Giordano.

This is an incredible church I stumbled across while meandering through the streets of rome this…read moreafternoon. The outside is very unassuming but inside it's breathtaking. There is so much gilded architecture every which way you turn, and even a mural painted by michaelangelo in a side room. The artwork here will blow your mind, don't miss out on this outstanding little church!