{"id":9536,"date":"2022-01-27T10:54:47","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T10:54:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/basilica-of-santa-maria-maggiore-rome\/"},"modified":"2024-09-11T13:17:52","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T13:17:52","slug":"basilica-of-santa-maria-maggiore-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/basilica-of-santa-maria-maggiore-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Nestled on the Esquiline Hill, Santa Maria Maggiore (the Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the four major basilicas of the Eternal City.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Follow the guide!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group encadre\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Insider<\/strong> <strong>Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mks_separator\" style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Top tip:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitatis.com\/en\/rome\/free-tour\/?aid=9013=trevi_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Free guided city tour<\/a> (in English)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accommodations:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/where-to-sleep-in-rome\/\">all our tips recommendations <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan your stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/best-things-to-do-in-rome\/\">the complete guide to Rome<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visiting Rome with children:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/exploring-rome-with-kids\/\">all our tips<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-gyg-widget=\"auto\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"H5WO0BT\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Brief history of Santa Maria Maggiore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Legend of Santa Maria Maggiore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to legend, on the night of August 4-5, 356, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius and a wealthy Roman named John. The Virgin asked them to build a sanctuary in her honor at a location she would indicate. The next morning, the Pope and John found that snow had miraculously fallen on the Esquiline Hill\u2014in the middle of August!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pope Liberius then ordered the construction of a Marian church, financed by John.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The True History of Santa Maria Maggiore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As charming as the legend is, history tells a slightly different tale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The construction of Santa Maria Maggiore began in the 5<sup>th<\/sup> century, under Pope Sixtus III, following the Council of Ephesus, which declared Mary as Theotokos, or &#8220;Mother of God.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally, the basilica followed a simple paleo-Christian basilica design, typical of late Roman architecture. Over the centuries, it underwent several renovations and expansions, including the addition of the apse, transept, and bell tower in the 13<sup>th<\/sup> century, the construction of chapels in the 16<sup>th<\/sup> and 17<sup>th<\/sup> centuries, and the completion of a Baroque fa\u00e7ade in the 18<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major is an architectural patchwork, blending elements of paleo-Christian, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group encadre\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\u26ea A Basilica of Many Names \u26ea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mks_separator\" style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Though known today as Santa Maria Maggiore, the basilica has had several names over the centuries: Saint Mary of the Snows (in honor of its legendary foundation), Santa Maria Liberiana (after Pope Liberius), and Santa Maria del Presepe (due to the relics of the Holy Crib housed within).<br><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting Santa Maria Maggiore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group encadre\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\u26ea The Four Major Basilicas of Rome \u26ea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mks_separator\" style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/basilique-saint-pierre-de-rome-2\/\">Saint Peter&#8217;s Basilica<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/basilica-of-st-john-lateran-rome\/\">Saint John Lateran<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/basilique-saint-paul-hors-les-murs-rome-2\/\">Saint Paul Outside the Walls<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Exterior of the Basilica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before stepping inside, take a moment to admire the impressive exterior. The medieval Romanesque-style campanile is the tallest in Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The grand fa\u00e7ade of the basilica features a stunning loggia with three arcades adorned with mosaics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are five entrances, one of which is the Holy Door on the left. Each of the four major basilicas has a Holy Door, which is only opened by the Pope (or a Cardinal) once every 25 years to mark the beginning of the Holy Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Corinthian column on the square in front of the basilica originally came from the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine (located in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/forum-romain-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Roman Forum<\/a>) and was moved here under Pope Paul V in the early 17<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, an obelisk can be found on the Esquiline Hill behind the basilica, originally standing at the entrance of the Mausoleum of Augustus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"905\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome-1024x905.jpg\" alt=\"Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Rome\" class=\"wp-image-7693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome-1024x905.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome-300x265.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome-768x679.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome-600x530.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome-800x707.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Rome.jpg 1159w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Three Naves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The central nave is separated from the two side naves by rows of marble and granite Ionic columns, dating back to the basilica&#8217;s original construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look up, and you\u2019ll spot a frieze and 5<sup>th<\/sup>-century mosaic panels above the columns, depicting biblical scenes on a golden background. The triumphal arch between the nave and transept is also adorned with 1,500-year-old mosaics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you&#8217;re looking up, take note of the incredible coffered ceiling, a Renaissance masterpiece. It is said to have been decorated with gold brought back from Christopher Columbus\u2019 expedition to the Americas, a gift from Queen Isabella of Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before leaving the nave, don\u2019t miss the intricate cosmatesque marble flooring, a medieval style of inlaid stonework, dating from the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef-1024x738.jpg\" alt=\"Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Nave\" class=\"wp-image-7699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef-1024x738.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef-768x554.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef-600x433.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef-800x577.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Nef.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Apse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Supported by red porphyry columns, the baldachin shelters the high altar, which holds relics of the Holy Crib (or Manger) in a reliquary made by Luigi Valadier in the 19<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above the high altar, you\u2019ll find a stunning medieval mosaic depicting the Coronation of the Virgin, created by Jacopo Torriti at the end of the 13<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"839\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Abside.jpg\" alt=\"Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Apse\" class=\"wp-image-7695\" style=\"width:629px;height:768px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Abside.jpg 839w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Abside-246x300.jpg 246w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Abside-768x937.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Abside-600x732.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Abside-800x976.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 839px) 100vw, 839px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Sistine Chapel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to be confused with the renowned Sistine Chapel located in the Vatican, this Sistine Chapel is one of the two main chapels within the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Designed by the architect Domenico Fontana and lavishly adorned with frescoes and statues, it houses the tomb of Pope Sixtus V. The remains of Pope Pius V also rest in this chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the entrance (outside the chapel), take note of the Bernini family tombstone. It is here that the legendary Gian Lorenzo Bernini, also known as Il Bernini, is buried (you can see some of his breathtaking sculptures at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/borghese-gallery-rome\/\">the Villa Borghese<\/a> \u2013 another must-visit!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"742\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Chapelle-Sixtine.jpg\" alt=\"Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Sistine Chapel\" class=\"wp-image-7697\" style=\"width:557px;height:768px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Chapelle-Sixtine.jpg 742w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Chapelle-Sixtine-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Basilique-Sainte-Marie-Majeure-Chapelle-Sixtine-600x828.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Pauline Chapel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pauline Chapel (or Paolina in Italian) is named after Pauline Bonaparte, who rests here alongside other distinguished members of the Borghese family, including Pope Paul V. The remains of Pope Clement VIII are also housed in this chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Built in 1611 by Flaminio Ponzio, the Pauline Chapel mirrors the layout of the Sistine Chapel, located on the opposite side of the nave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside, you\u2019ll find the revered <em>Salus Populi Romani<\/em>, a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child, brought to Rome in the 6<sup>th<\/sup> century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Museum Area (Paid Access)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While most of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is free to visit, there are some areas that require a ticket. These include:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Liberian Historical Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, visitors can explore the Treasures of Santa Maria Maggiore, including liturgical objects (chalices, reliquaries) and works of art by masters such as Sodoma, Beccafumi, and Baldassare Croce.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Loggia, Papal Hall, and Bernini\u2019s Staircase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This section offers a behind-the-scenes look at the basilica. The spiral staircase, designed by the famed sculptor Bernini, represents the journey from Earth to Heaven and is truly a sight to behold.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Archaeological Site<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Beneath the basilica lies an impressive archaeological complex dating back to the imperial era, showcasing the rich historical layers of this ancient site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Santa Maria Maggiore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the Esquiline Hill, just a short walk from Termini Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nearest metro station is Termini (lines A and B), and buses 16, 70, 71, and 714 also stop nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group encadre\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Insider Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mks_separator\" style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlimited access to public transport is included with the Omnia Card and Roma Pass. For more details, <mark><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/omnia-vatican-and-rome-pass-t28847\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=colosseum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">click here<\/a><\/strong><\/mark>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening Hours of Santa Maria Maggiore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Basilica is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM). The museum area is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Admission Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Entry to the basilica is free. However, if you wish to access the dome and the museum area (including the Liberian Historical Museum, the loggia, the Papal Hall, Bernini\u2019s Staircase, and the archaeological site), there is a \u20ac12 fee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To skip the lines, it\u2019s a good idea to book your tickets in advance: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/basilica-papale-di-santa-maria-maggiore-tickets-l200626\/?partner=ulyssestravel\">Access to the dome, loggia, Papal Hall, and Bernini\u2019s Staircase<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Avoid the lines: Book your tickets and tours in Rome in advance!<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div data-gyg-widget=\"auto\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"H5WO0BT\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-default\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group ticss-51b4d2a3\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Looking for more tips and recommendations? Check out Captain Ulysses\u2019 best finds in Rome! <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ufe0f Accommodation<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-126693nflt=review_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80aid=1775082no_rooms=1group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Booking<\/a>:<br>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-126693nflt=ht_id%253D203%253Breview_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80aid=1775082no_rooms=1group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best hostels<\/a><br>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-126693nflt=review_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80%253Bclass%253D1%253Bclass%253D2aid=1775082no_rooms=1group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best budget hotels<\/a><br>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-126693nflt=review_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80%253Bclass%253D3%253Bclass%253D4aid=1775082no_rooms=1group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Best mid-range hotels<\/a><br>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-126693nflt=class%253D5%253Breview_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80aid=1775082no_rooms=1group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best luxury hotels<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ufe0f<strong> Activities:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=bons-plans-fin-en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">GetYourGuide<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/rome-attractions-c71631\/?partner=ulyssestravel=bons-plans-fin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Tiqets<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitatis.com\/en\/rome\/?aid=9013=bons_plans_fin_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Civitatis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Citypass: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/omnia-vatican-and-rome-pass-t28847\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=colosseum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Omnia Card<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Transfers:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/transfers-tc152\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=bons-plans-fin-en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">airport transfers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Transport:<\/strong> Unlimited public transport is included with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/omnia-vatican-and-rome-pass-t28847\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=colosseum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the Roma Pass and Omnia Card<\/a>. Other options: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/rome-hop-on-hop-off-sightseeing-tour-244872-hours-t50675\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=borghese-en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">hop-on-hop-off buses<\/a> (with audio guide), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/rome-electric-bike-rental-t235097\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=bons-plans-fin-en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">electric bike rentals<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rome-l33\/rome-full-day-vespa-scooter-rental-t409699\/?partner_id=H5WO0BT=online_publisher=bons-plans-fin-en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">scooter rentals<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2708\ufe0f <strong>Flights, trains, buses :<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/c\/2302406\/1027991\/13416?associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skyscanner.fr%2Fvols-a%2Fveni%2Fvols-pas-chers-a-venise.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skyscanner<\/a> (flights) | <a href=\"https:\/\/omio.sjv.io\/jWYanv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Omio<\/a> (plane, train bus)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Credits<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikimedia Commons<br><\/a><em><br><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Santa Maria Maggiore (the Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is an architectural gem over 15 centuries old&#8230; an absolute must-see! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7700,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142,171,169,242],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9536","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe-en","category-italy","category-mediterranean-europe","category-rome-en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>[Guide 2024] A Guide to Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome | Ulysses Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Santa Maria Maggiore (the Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is an architectural gem over 15 centuries old... an absolute must-see!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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