Day 4 in Rome took me to the awe-inspiring Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the city’s most important and beautiful churches. This basilica has a fascinating history, as it’s one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and the largest dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church dates back to the 5th century and was built after a miraculous event—according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Liberius in a dream and told him to build a church where snow would fall. Remarkably, snow did fall on Esquiline Hill in August of 358 AD, and Santa Maria Maggiore was built on that very spot!
The basilica’s interior is as breathtaking as its history, with intricate mosaics from the 5th century depicting scenes from the Old Testament and a stunning coffered ceiling said to have been gilded with the first gold brought to Europe from the New World. The church’s rich history doesn’t stop there—beneath the altar lies the Holy Crib, a relic believed to be pieces of the manger where Jesus was born.
My visit to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was a journey through time, blending faith, art, and history in one magnificent space. If you’re exploring Rome, this basilica is a must-visit for its beauty, historical significance, and the legendary story that surrounds it. NOTE: tickets are not required, and there is no fee to enter the church.
