What makes it 63% Baby-Friendly: Babies may stay in strollers and staff can loan a lightweight buggy, yet steps at the entrance, no confirmed changing tables, and echoing interiors that amplify cries cut comfort.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows a relaxed ground-floor visit without tiring your baby.
Stroller-friendly entry and cloakroom loan:
Use the entrance ramp and cloakroom to drop off a large stroller and borrow a lightweight fold-up stroller or baby carrier free of charge.
Tip: Ask staff at the cloakroom on arrival to swap your pram for a loaner stroller.
Ground-floor mosaics and gilded ceiling:
Admire 5th-century Roman mosaics above the nave and the 13th-century gold coffered ceiling without climbing stairs.
Tip: Stay near the center aisle for the best view of the Coronation of the Virgin mosaic.
Peaceful weekday Mass:
Join a weekday morning Mass for a calm atmosphere and quieter side chapels.
Tip: Use the sacristy or side aisles to feed or change your baby during the service.
In summer, arrive before 10:00 am to avoid crowds and heat. In winter, the basilica’s interior stays warmer than outside air, making it a cozy visit.
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Rachel B
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.
Wilfred Yiu
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.
Sami Peterson
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 ...
Misiu martino
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...
JK V
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...
Item | Cost (Approx.) |
---|---|
Basilica entry | EUR 0 |
Optional audio guide | EUR 8 |
Total Estimated | EUR 8 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy
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