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The legend is saying, The Maria Maggiore Basilica was built in the 4th century A.D., on the place marked by Virgin Mary, who appared in dreams of the believer (who was praying and asking her about place he wish to build a church in her name), and at the same time she appeared in the Pope's dreams with instructions the church has to be built on the place marked with snow. In the same night, the unusual snow in the middle of August, marked a place on Esquilino Rome hill, and both, believer and Pope, knows imidiately where the church has to be built. At the same night, on the hill marked with snow, the lines for church were made, and by those given instructions, the Maria Maggiore Basilica was constructed in next years. Through years the Basilica was many times reconstructed (otherwise finally completed in year 1743) till nowdays shape, and is otherwise the first Basilica consecrated to Virgin Mary (in year 434 A. D. on 5th August by Pope Sixtus III.), right The Basilica has a status as a Papal Major Basilica (one of the only four that exists), and is one of the Seven Great Pilgrim Churches of Rome (a Seven Church Walk tradition), which means the Basilica is very important and therefore must visit touristic att…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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We returned after some time. We wanted to visit and see closely some details and parts of the Basilica that we had missed on our previous tour, also because it was not possible for the public to visit them. This time we stopped to visit the two chapels, the Pauline Chapel and the Sistine chapel, which were closed to the public, as well as the Confession, the Crypt with the relics of the Holy Crib, and the Baptistery. We were enchanted, speechless. The church is stupendous, even the nave alone is enchanting, the ciborium that houses the main altar is wonderful. Only in Italy can we admire "for free" these stupendous museums which collect works of art in splendid structures which are also valuable architectural masterpieces. A mandatory visit for all those who go to Rome.…
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Date of experience: January 2021
1 Helpful vote
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This church is a must-see on anyone’s list when traveling to Rome,the architect Bernini is buried there.
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Date of experience: January 2020
1 Helpful vote
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Very impressive building, it is nice that you can enter for free. Obviously, when in Rome, visit the St Peter's Basilica but this one is also very interesting to see
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Date of experience: October 2020
2 Helpful votes
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Oh my God! it's a great moment for us to see this amazing place. I think we past by at least 20 times and decided to enter the church. We're amazed at the details, the history and art. If in Rome a most see place and it free to enter however, don't forget to donate. Don't be discouraged by my photos my children takes better photos on their cameras.…
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Date of experience: November 2019
2 Helpful votes
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