Santa Maria Maggiore

Welcome to the summit of the Esquiline Hill, where you are standing before the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. This is not just any church; it is the largest and most significant monument in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has stood as a beacon of faith for over sixteen centuries. As one of the four Great Papal Basilicas, it holds a unique position, often referred to as the mothership of all Marian sanctuaries worldwide. While the exterior you see today features a grand eighteen-century facade, do not let that fool you—inside lies one of the best-preserved early Christian structures in the world, maintaining its essential fifth-century layout despite layers of Renaissance and Baroque splendor. Take a moment to orient yourself here in the heart of the Monti district, where the ancient and the modern Rome meet under the watchful eye of the tallest bell tower in the city.