Saint Mary Major
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
Consecrated in 434 under Pope Sixtus III, Saint Mary Major is the largest Marian church in Rome and one of the four Papal Major Basilicas. It preserves mosaics from the 5th century, made soon after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary as Mother of God, and is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of St. Philip Neri’s 1552 itinerary.
Highlights
01
Fifth-Century Mosaics
Fifth-century nave and triumphal-arch mosaics, among the oldest surviving in Rome.
02
Salus Populi Romani
The Salus Populi Romani, a Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin traditionally attributed to St. Luke.
03
The Sacra Culla
The Sacra Culla, a relic venerated as part of the Holy Crib.
04
Coronation of the Virgin
Jacopo Torriti’s Coronation of the Virgin in the apse.
05
August 5 Rose Petals
On August 5, white rose petals fall from the dome to commemorate the legendary snowfall said to mark the site.
06
Nativity Sculptures
Arnolfo di Cambio’s 13th-century Nativity sculptures, associated with the Holy Crib relic.
Opening Hours
7 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. (daily)
Mass Times
Weekdays at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Cappella Paolina).
Sundays at 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. (Cappella Paolina); 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Papal Altar).
Vigil (pre-festive) at 6 p.m. (Papal Altar).
Museum & Other Visitor Areas
Museum: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Mon–Sat, last entry 6 p.m.)
Museum (Sunday): 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Sacristy: 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3 – 6:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. start on holidays)
Address & Official Website
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00185 Roma (public entrance); Via Liberiana, 27