- The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (431 CE) was one of the first churches to be built in honour of the Virgin Mary.
- It is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
Getting There
- Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100, Rome.
- Take the Tram from Termini: Tram 5, 14 to Farini: Tram 5, 14.
History
- Constructed by Pope Celestine I, and consecrated by his successor on the 5th August 434 CE, the original building has been preserved, although added to over the centuries.
- It holds the original mosaics from the 5th century CE, depicting the Virgin Mary, Christ and Moses crossing the Red Sea.
- The Pope officiates at the annual Feast of the Assumption of Mary held on the 15th August.
- Various Popes are buried in the church along with St. Jerome, who translated the The Bible from Hebrew into the Latin Vulgate.
Photo and Map: Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore