Experts' Choice Award Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
What the experts agree on
One of Rome's four great basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore stuns with Byzantine mosaics and an ornate Baroque facade hiding a remarkably well-preserved 5th-century interior. Steps from Termini Station.
“Contains almost a millennia's worth of Italian architecture, from an 18th-century baroque exterior to the 5th-century mosaics lining its interior arch.”
– Afar Magazine
Fodor's "Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the oldest churches in Rome, built around 440 by Pope Sixtus III." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"One of Rome's four patriarchal basilicas, Santa Maria was built on the summit of the Esquiline Hill in the 5th century." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Originally built in the fifth century, Santa Maria Maggiore contains one of the best preserved Byzantine interiors in Rome." Full review
Time Out "Behind this blowsy Baroque façade is one of the most striking basilica-form churches in Rome." Full review
Frommer's "This great church, one of Rome's four major basilicas, was built by Pope Liberius in A.D. 358 and was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III from 432 to 440." Full review
Let's Go "Located just minutes away from Termini Station, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is an enormous basilica dedicated to everyone’s favorite virgin (no, not you)." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Founded by Pope Sixtus III (432-440), this is one of Rome's four great basilicas, and has been remodelled many times down the centuries." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "After picking up the luggage I'd stashed near the train station, I sought refuge from the heat one last time at the Basilica Pale di Santa Maria Maggiore—I couldn't leave Rome without..."
National Geographic
