Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's four Papal Basilicas — the largest Marian church in the city and first among all Marian shrines worldwide, its origins tied to the legendary miracle of August snowfall in 352 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves the most important early Christian mosaic cycle in Rome, dating from the 5th century and covering the nave with vivid scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Open daily, it is one of the unmissable monuments of the Eternal City.