Rome: The Secrets of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and discover the secrets that lie beneath the surface. Admire the Loggia of Benedicftion, Room of the Popes, Bernini’s stairs, and the Historic Liberian Museum while learning legends from centuries ago.

Arrive at the Basilica and enter into one of Rome’s four patriarchal basilicas. Known as one of the most significant Catholic Churches in the city and the world, it was built at the top of Cispius, the highest part of the Esquiline Hill.

Discover the legend that the basililica was founded in the year 356 after a miraculous event of snow falling in the middle of August. Then, arrive at Santa Maria Maggiore and find yourself in front of a beautiful and elablorate facade with a striking bell tower.

Stare up at the ceiling, decorated with the first gold brought back to Europe from the New World. Admire the high altar, a relic that contains wood from the manger in which Christ was laid in Bethlehem.

Marvel by the elegance of the Loggia of Benedictions on the second floor topped with a sculptural group. At the center, stand where Mary and Jesus flank the popes.

Explore Bernini’s spiral staircase, a first of its kind. This architectural and engineering feat is an inspiration to the world of art and a model to replicate to the world of engineering.

Discover the Liturgical vestments of the Popes that are also exhibited in the museum together with the historic Liberian museum’s collection consists of the most precious objects of the Basilica, also called the “Bethlehem of the West”, such as holy relics, chalices, ostensories and liturgical vestments.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Learn the underground secrets of the Basilica on a guided tour
Access the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and Loggia of Benedictions
Admire teh Room of the Popes, Bernini’s stairs, and Historic Liberian Museum
Discover the Renaissance ceiling, Mosaics, Jesus’ Crib relic, and Papal Graves
View the bell tower and the inner chapels, painted by masters of the Renaissance

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