Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major (couple trip)

This is an amazing basilica to visit. I recommend getting the full ticket as well as free entry. It was very cool going up on the roof terraces. Book ahead for the underground or you'll miss out. Large queue on left to see Pope Francis' tomb, but other than that access is easy after the security check. It is an active church so shoulders and knees covered, no hats for men.

Basilica of Saint Mary is very worthwhile to visit. This is also where Pope Francis and Bernini are buried. Amazing architecture and rich artwork. We went around 8am Monday and there is no line.

Definitely worth a stop at. It is a beautiful papal Basilica one of four and the holy doors are open for the jubilee this year so that was very cool to see this is also where the last Pope is buried and you can see where they have marked his burial/tomb. As always, the artwork and the stained glass above the door is absolutely breathtaking. Definitely worth a stop even if you only have 20 minutes ...

IT'S A MUST IN ROME!!! St. Mary Major stands slightly elevated with respect to the street layout of the Esquiline district and, in addition to being a station in the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches , it is one of the six papal basilicas of Italy, which are of particular importance within the Catholic Church. Most likely founded in the 5th century by Pope Sixtus III, it is the only one of the grea...

The architecture is absolutely breathtaking; as I tilted my head upward to take in the intricate details of the ceiling, I felt as though I was being transported into a narrative woven through time. Each ornate design and subtle flourish seemed to whisper tales of history and artistry, evoking a profound sense of reverence within me. In that moment, I truly sensed the embrace of the holy spirit gr...