Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
Rome, Italy
About This Activity
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest of Rome's 26 churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the four major basilicas, making it a key stop on the traditional pilgrim circuit. Its nave ceiling — gilded with the first gold brought from the Americas — and the fifth-century mosaic cycle in the apse rank among the finest early Christian art in the world. The crypt houses an urn said to contain planks from Christ's manger, drawing pilgrims year-round. Entry is free.
Seasonal note: Year-round; August 5 snow miracle festival is especially atmospheric
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 80 of our curated itineraries.
Best 3 Days in Italy — Temples & Shrines (Sunday Start)
Rome → Florence
Best 3 Days in Italy — Pilgrimage (Sunday Start)
Rome → Florence
Best 5 Days in Italy — Temples & Shrines (Sunday Start)
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento
Best 5 Days in Italy — Pilgrimage (Sunday Start)
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento
Best 7 Days in Italy — Temples & Shrines (Sunday Start)
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano
Best 7 Days in Italy — Pilgrimage (Sunday Start)
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano
More Activities in Rome
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Rome
Book a timed entry to Rome's iconic Colosseum — free for EU youth under 18 — and walk the ancient Roman Forum
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Rome
Pre-book Vatican Museums tickets to see the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms without queuing for hours
Villa Borghese Gardens & Borghese Gallery, Rome
Reserve a mandatory 2-hour slot at the Borghese Gallery, then let the children ride bikes and row boats in Rome's loveliest park
Pantheon, Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona, Rome
Visit the Pantheon, toss a coin in Trevi Fountain with the children, and stroll to Piazza Navona for gelato
Trastevere Neighborhood Evening Walk, Rome
Wander Trastevere's cobblestone lanes at sunset and eat supplì, cacio e pepe, and Roman pizza al taglio
Ostia Antica Archaeological Park Day Trip from Rome
Take a 30-minute train to Ostia Antica and walk Rome's ancient port city — better-preserved and far less crowded than Pompeii
Fresh Pasta Making Class in Rome
Make fresh ravioli, fettuccine, and pappardelle in a small-group Roman cooking class — great for children age 5+
Testaccio Market & Street Food Tour, Rome
Shop the Testaccio covered market and taste supplì, porchetta, and maritozzo in Rome's most authentic food neighborhood