The majestic Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome’s Esquiline Hill, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, where art and faith merge in perfect harmony. For over sixteen centuries it has stood as an important Marian sanctuary and a treasure trove of artistic heritage, preserving masterpieces that tell the spiritual and cultural story of the Eternal City.
According to tradition, the Virgin herself inspired the construction of this basilica on the Esquiline, making it a symbol of Marian devotion and a unique site of pilgrimage. Among its highlights are the tomb of the Bernini family, the Baptistery, the Holy Door, and precious relics that reflect centuries of Christian history.
The guided tour allows visitors to discover the close relationship of the pontiffs with this sacred place. The image of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, venerated here, makes the basilica not only an artistic monument but also a living center of Catholic spirituality.
The visit continues to the underground archaeological area, where a fascinating complex dating back to the Imperial period can be explored. Visitors can admire mosaics from ancient baths, heating systems, frescoes with geometric designs, and a remarkable agricultural calendar painted on the walls—a unique masterpiece that takes you back to the origins of Christian Rome.