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Basilica of St. Mary Major - Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage Guide

Basilica of St. Mary Major

Basilica of St. Mary Major as a major pilgrimage site in Rome

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of Rome's four Papal Basilicas and a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholics. It is the largest and oldest Marian shrine in the Western world, dedicated to the Blessed Mary. The Basilica houses precious Marian relics, including a piece of holy manger where Jesus was laid, venerated under the High Altar and the iconic "Salus Populi Romani" painting. Its Baroque architecture, complemented by Marian mosaics, and its Papal recognition make it a significant destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfillment, as well as for those interested in history, art, and architecture.

Significance during the Jubilee 2025

The Basilica of St. Mary Major will be a central focus of the 2025 Jubilee. As one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas, it will host a Holy Door, opened by Pope Francis. Pilgrims worldwide eagerly anticipate crossing this symbolic threshold, believing it signifies repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

How to access the Basilica?

Entry to the main basilica is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for specific areas like the Polo Museale (Museum Complex), the Liberian Historical Museum, the Loggia delle Benedizioni, the Hall of Popes, Bernini's staircase, and the archaeological area. During Jubilee years, you need to register online and get a free pilgrim's card to attend special masses and events.

Complete Jubilee 20205 guide

Museum & chapels inside the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Liberian Historical Museum

Inaugurated in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, the museum houses the Treasury of the Basilica. Highlights include famous paintings like Salita al Calvario and Madonna con Bambino e Santi, ancient musical scores of the Venerable Liberian Musical Chapel, and precious liturgical objects. There’s a dedicated section dedicated to the history of devotion to the Salus Populi Romani.

Hall of Popes

This grand space reflects Pope Paul V's architectural vision. Built by Flaminio Ponzio, it is a commemorative space for significant figures associated with the basilica, including Cardinals, Archpriest Saint Charles Borromeo, Popes, and the Spanish royal family.

Archaeological Area

Explore ancient Roman ruins beneath the church, including imperial-era rooms, a mosaic-adorned thermal bath, and rare frescoes depicting an agricultural calendar.

Sistine Chapel

Not to be confused with the one in the Vatican, this chapel was built by Pope Sixtus V. It contains his tomb and originally housed the Holy Manger by Arnolfo di Cambio.

borghese chapel in basilica of st mary major

Paolina Chapel (also called Borghese Chapel)

Named after Pope Paul V, this chapel features works by several masters, including Cavalier d'Arpino, Baglione, Guido Reni, and Bernini's father. It also contains the tombs of Pope Clement VIII and Pope Paul V, as well as the image of the "Salus Populi Romani" (Protectress and Health of the Roman People).

Sforza Chapel

Dedicated to Saint Flora and Saint Lucilla, it was originally assigned to Michelangelo, and ultimately realized by Tiberio Calcagni who modified some details. It also has an altar-piece by Gerolamo Siciolante representing the assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Chapel of Saint Michael Archangel

Originally a Gothic chapel dedicated to Saints Michael Archangel and Peter in Chains, it was restored by Ferdinando Fuga for the Holy Year of 1750. Cardinal Archpriest d’Estouteville commissioned Piero della Francesca for the ceiling frescoes of the four Evangelists, which are of significant historical and artistic value.

Cesi Chapel

Dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, commissioned by Cardinal Federico Cesi around 1550. It features bronze tombs of Cardinals Paul and Federico Cesi by Guglielmo della Porta and Girolamo da Sermoneta's altarpiece depicting Saint Catherine's martyrdom.

Chapel of the Crucifix

This chapel is a relatively recent addition, rebuilt by architect Fuga in 1750. It is decorated with porphyry columns and entirely covered in marble. It contains precious reliquaries and a wooden crucifix from the early 1400s.

Highlights of the St. Mary Major Basilica

st mary major basilica's Coffered Ceiling

bernini's staircase at basilica of st mary major

bernini's tomb at basilica of st mary major

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Cosmatesque Floor

This is a mosaic floor that dates back to the 13th century. It is known for its intricate and decorative patterns, characteristic of the Cosmatesque style, which was popular in medieval Italy.

Legend of "Miracle of the Snow"

The legend surrounding the basilica's foundation involves a childless Roman couple in the 4th century who vowed to build a church dedicated to Mary if they were blessed with a child. They dreamt of the Virgin Mary indicating a specific location for the church.

Miraculously, on the sweltering morning of August 5, snow blanketed the Esquiline Hill. Pope Liberius marked the outline of the future basilica in the snow, leading to the construction of St. Mary Major. This event is commemorated annually on August 5th with a flower petal "snowfall" inside the basilica.

Plan your visit to Basilica of St. Mary Major

Timings

Mass

Location

Rules

Tips

St. Mary Major Basilica opening hours: 7am - 7pm with last admission at 6:30pm

Polo Museale is open from: 9:30am to 6pm, with the last admission at 5:30pm.

On the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, January 1, 2025, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major and will be closed on December 28, 2025.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit St. Mary Major Basilica is during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a serene experience and fewer visitors. During the Jubilee Year, expect larger crowds, especially around the Holy Door. Book in advance for guided tours and accommodations.

Pauline Chapel: Weekdays: 7am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 6pm; Sundays & Holidays: 7am, 8am, 9am

Papal Altar: Anticipated Mass: 6pm; Holidays: 10am - 6pm

Sforza Chapel: Daily Adoration: 9:30am, 5pm; Daily Rosary: 11:30am; Daily Divine Mercy Chaplet: 3pm; Daily Vespers & Blessing: 4:30pm

Mass at the Basilica is open to all individuals.
Daily Masses are held at various times throughout the day.
Sunday Masses usually have a larger attendance, with special liturgical celebrations. There are also special liturgical events, particularly during Marian feasts.
Visitors are expected to dress modestly as a sign of respect when entering the basilica. This typically means covering shoulders and knees.

Address: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy

By metro: Take a line Metro A to the Termini Station, from there it’s a short 550 meters walk via Via Giolitti and Via Gioberti. From Cavour Station (Line B), it’s a walk 750 meters.
By bus: You can take lines 105, 150F, 590, 71, 714, C3, 360, 649, NMA, 5, N5, N11, 14. Lines 70, 81, 85, 87, and 492 stop near the basilica. Closest stop is Carlo Alberto, 46 meters away.
By tram: Tram Line 3 and get off at the Vittorio Emanuele stop, which is 300 meters away.

Shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be at or below the knee. Sleeveless tops and tank tops are not permitted. Hats should be removed when you enter the basilica.
Photography and filming are allowed inside the basilica for personal use only. No flash photography is permitted. Tripods are not allowed.
Visitors are expected to maintain silence and decorum inside the basilica
No eating, drinking, or chewing gum is allowed
Pets are not allowed inside the basilica, except for service animals.
Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry.

Find a quiet corner within the basilica to meditate or simply absorb the ambiance. The chapel of St. Michael Archangel can be a peaceful retreat.
Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and long lines. Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the basilica and its highlights.
If visiting during a Holy Year, pass through the Holy Door to earn a plenary indulgence. It represents a path from sin to salvation and the ultimate spiritual renewal.
If visiting in August, try planning around August 5 to attend the Miracle of the Snows celebration and see the white petals falling from the coffered ceiling. Even if you can’t make it then, don’t miss the cycle of the V-century mosaics depicting biblical stories related to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua and life of Jesus, in the middle aisle and triumphal arch.
Take a short 10-minute walk to see Michelangelo’s Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli.
Follow the dress code (covered shoulders and knees) to ensure entry.
Try Panificio Roscioni for a quick snack or L’Asino D’Oro for a delicious sit-down meal in Rione Monti.
Follow the Rome Jubilee itinerary to hit multiple holy spots in one day.
Bring a scarf or light jacket to cover up when needed, especially in the summer.

Brief history of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

4th Century: Legend suggests the basilica's origins in a miraculous snowfall marking its construction site.
422-432: Construction begins under Pope Celestine I.
434: Pope Sixtus III consecrates the basilica on August 5th, dedicating it to the Virgin Mary.
5th Century: The basilica becomes a symbol of Rome as the center of the Christian world, influenced by the Council of Ephesus' proclamation of Mary as Mother of God.
6th Century: Pope Gregory the Great establishes Marian devotions, further elevating the basilica's importance.
12th-13th Century: The basilica undergoes restorations and embellishments, including the iconic Cosmatesque floor.
14th Century: The basilica suffers damage from an earthquake but is subsequently restored.
Baroque Era and Beyond (17th Century onwards)
17th-18th Century: Extensive renovations under Popes Clement X and Benedict XIV, resulting in the current Baroque facade by Ferdinando Fuga.
19th-20th Century: Further restorations and archaeological discoveries, including the uncovering of Roman ruins beneath the basilica.
21st Century: The basilica continues to be a major pilgrimage site and a significant cultural and historical landmark.

Architecture of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

architecture of basilica of st mary major

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is a mix of architectural styles, primarily Early Christian and Baroque. Its layout consists of a tall, wide nave flanked by aisles and ends with a semicircular apse, resembling a second-century imperial basilica. The nave’s marble columns are repurposed from an older structure that was made of Athenian marble and granite columns.

Highlights include the 16th-century coffered ceiling, gilded with Columbus's gold, the 1295 apse mosaic by Jacopo Torriti, and the 14th-century bell tower, the tallest in Rome. The 12th-century façade was redesigned in the 18th century by Ferdinando Fuga, preserving the original mosaics.

While the basilica's layout centers on a traditional plan, various additions and renovations have created a complex and layered architectural experience.

Frequently asked questions about the Basilica of St. Mary Major

How accessible is the Basilica for people with disabilities?

The entrance that is accessible for persons with disabilities is located in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, to the right of the basilica's facade. This entrance has a ramp and the horizontal pedestrian circulation is easy to navigate. There are accessible toilet facilities within the basilica. People with a disability of over 74% and a companion can enter for free without queuing. They can obtain the free tickets directly from the "special permission" counter.

How can I obtain a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year?

During the Jubilee Year, the Catholic Church offers the faithful the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. To receive the indulgence, one must make a pilgrimage to a designated Holy Door, such as the one at St. Mary Major. Participate in the sacrament of confession and receive Holy Communion. Pray for the intentions of the Pope and perform an act of charity or a good deed.

Are there any nearby attractions worth visiting after the Basilica?

St. Mary Major is located in the busy area of Rome with several attractions within walking distance:
- The Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s Moses.
- The Colosseum, a short walk or bus ride away.
- The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, located close to the Colosseum.

Are there any special pilgrimages or devotions associated with the basilica during the Jubilee?

The year leading up to the Jubilee (2024) will be marked as a Year of Prayer, encouraging the faithful to deepen their spiritual lives in preparation for the Jubilee. Pilgrims are encouraged to engage in traditional devotional practices, such as praying the Rosary or visiting specific chapels within the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Various community events and gatherings will be organized to foster spiritual growth and community engagement during the Jubilee Year.

Are there any pilgrimage routes that include the Basilica of St. Mary Major?

Yes, St. Mary Major is part of the Christian Rome itinerary, which includes other significant churches such as St. Peter's Basilica, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. This route is popular among pilgrims, especially during Jubilee years.

Are there any notable tombs or chapels within the Basilica?

The Basilica of St. Mary Major houses several notable tombs and chapels. Highlights include the final resting place of the renowned sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the stunning Borghese Chapel, famous for its miraculous icon. You'll also find the tomb of Pope Sixtus V in the basilica's Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the Vatican's). The basilica is also a papal burial ground, with six popes laid to rest here. Other must-sees are the tomb of Pope Innocent III, adorned with beautiful religious art, the serene Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, the spiritually charged Sancta Sanctorum with its legendary Holy Stairs, and the chapels dedicated to the basilica's patron saints, John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.