While Rome is home to many beautiful churches, four major papal basilicas rule supreme, symbolizing the cornerstone of Roman and religious history, art, and culture.
Hard to miss when traversing the Eternal City’s windy roads, the major basilicas in Rome are:
- San Giovanni in Laterano (Archbasilica of St. John Lateran)
- San Pietro in Vaticano (St Peter’s Basilica)
- Santa Maria Maggiore (Papal Basilica of St Mary Major)
- San Paolo fuori le mura (St Paul Outside the Walls)
These major basilicas aren’t only important architecturally and culturally, they’re also significant religiously, and millions of visitors make the pilgrimage to see them every year.
Curious to learn how these stunning churches stand out from the rest?
This expertly researched guide will walk you through each major basilica’s history, analyze its carefully crafted architecture, and advise you on what to keep your eyes peeled for when visiting them.
San Giovanni in Laterano (Archbasilica of St John Lateran)
Once known as “the mother of all churches,” San Giovanni in Laterano is considered to be the oldest and most important basilica in Rome.
First built in 314 CE by Emperor Constantine, this iconic basilica is often regarded as the bridge between pagan and Christian Rome. It was used as the primary papal until the 14th century when the Vatican took over as the official Catholic capital.
What to see in San Giovanni in Laterano?
Still in exquisite condition today, San Giovanni in Laterano is home to:
- A breathtaking Renaissance facade designed by esteemed architect Alessandro Galilei;
- A meticulously crafted and expertly maintained mosaic ceilings, floors, and walls, some dating back to the 13th-century;
- An unforgettable high altar, said to contain some of the same wood Saint Peter used for his own altar;
- Monolithic frescoes lining the stairway and porticoes in honor of Emperor Constantine’s baptism and various military accomplishments, thought to be painted in the 12th-century;
- Famed religious relics including Saint Paul and Saint Peter’s skulls, a piece of the same table Jesus dined at during his Last Supper, and other fascinating pieces of history.
Opening hours
Ready to see where Catholicism began? You can visit San Giovanni in Laterano as a tourist or attend one of its Mass services free of charge.
The basilica is open daily from 7am to 6:30pm, and given its location in the heart of Rome’s historic center, is easily accessible by several forms of public transportation.
San Pietro in Vaticano (St Peter’s Basilica)
As the largest church in the world, San Pietro in Vaticano is a pillar of both ancient and modern Rome.
Holding the seat of the papacy, it’s certainly one of the most widely known monuments in Rome, attracting millions of eager visitors every year. Constructed by Emperor Constantine in 320, the Vatican’s architecture is a stunning blend of ancient, medieval, and renaissance craftsmanship.
San Pietro in Vaticano is now regarded as the primary papal basilica and still hosts a weekly Mass service every Sunday.
What to see in San Pietro in Vaticano?
This major basilica boasts an exhaustive list of memorable cultural and religious relics, such as:
- Stunning frescoes covering every inch of the walls, including Raphael’s The Liberation of Saint Peter;
- The phenomenal Sistine Ceiling featuring The Creation of Adam by legendary artist, Michelangelo;
- The stunning Madonna della Pietà sculpture, also crafted by the great Michelangelo;
- Countless paintings depicting religious scenes, saints, and the Holy Family;
- Important religious relics such as Saint Veronica’s veil and Saint Andrew’s skull.
Opening hours
The heart and soul of the Catholic church, along with its timeless history and art, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Come visit San Pietro in Vaticano every day from 7am to 6:30pm. This papal basilica can be found in the heart of Vatican City, reachable by the dedicated Vatican City shuttle bus from Piazza Risorgimento.
Santa Maria Maggiore (Papal Basilica of St Mary Major)
Erected in 432 this major basilica is widely considered to be the oldest Marian church. Said to have been built by a wealthy Roman man after experiencing a vision where Mother Mary visited him, the entirety of this papal basilica is dedicated to the Holy Virgin. While the church has undergone several expansions and rebuilds, the center building is original to its 5th-century roots. Its paleochristian architecture serves as a unique glance into how the first basilicas may have looked.
What to see in Santa Maria Maggiore?
When visiting this 1600-year-old basilica, you’ll be greeted by;
- The oldest depiction of Mother Mary, possibly dating back as early as the 5th century;
- Original mosaics along the walls and arches depicting the Mother Mary and scenes from Jesus’ childhood;
- An exquisite collection of ancient Catholic art in excellent condition spanning back millennium;
- Religious relics, including several pieces of wood believed to be the Crib of Christ, where Jesus slept as a baby;
- An 18th-century marble facade concealing the basilica’s medieval interiors.
Opening hours
Santa Maria Maggiore’s mythology is just as fascinating as its early medieval art, and is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Located at the top of picturesque Colle Esquilino, this basilica is a breeze to get to using public transportation, and is open from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, and from 7am to 9pm on weekends.
San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St Paul Outside the Walls)
Coming in second place for the largest major basilica in the world is San Paolo Fuori le Mura. The burial place of Saint Paul, this colorful basilica features a serene courtyard designed to mimic the Gardens of Eden. Originally erected in 385, it suffered a destructive fire in 1823 and underwent a series of renovations until 1854. However, the structure still retains much of its original characteristics.
What to see in San Paolo Fuori le Mura?
Today, this papal basilica is in phenomenal condition, boasting:
- A vibrant facade featuring 17th-century mosaics crafted by Italian architect Virgilio Vespignani;
- The grave of Jesus’ apostle Saint Paul, whom the basilica is named after;
- A stun-worthy Renaissance-style dome coupled with a breathtaking atrium depicting Jesus and religious stories;
- Larger-than-life granite columns guiding you through a series of popes’ portraits and depictions of Saint Paul;
- Brightly-colored, geometric shapes that make up the basilica’s marble floor.
Opening hours
San Paolo Fuori le Mura still functions as an active church, giving visitors the special opportunity to attend Mass in a basilica dating back to biblical times.
Stop by this papal basilica anyday from 7am to 6:30pm, free of charge. You can make your way to San Paolo Fuori le Mura by heading to the quiet neighborhood of Ostiense, which is readily accessible by public transportation.
Best way to visit the major basilicas
All four major papal basilicas in Rome are architectural, cultural, and artistic feats, with each boasting its own historic significance and unique characteristics.
Centuries of hard work and craftsmanship went into making each one, and it’s no wonder that today millions flock to see them from all over the world. So, whether you’re a history buff or religious pilgrim, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit these papal basilicas on your trip to Rome and bask in their timeless glory.
While all four basilicas on this list are open to the public and free to visit, taking a guided tour is the best way to ensure your experience is organized, thorough, and filled with awe-worthy and reliable information from every perspective.
Our Christian Rome and Basilica Tour will give you a unique view into Rome’s rich religious history as you visit each of the major papal basilicas with one of our experienced guides. You’ll learn little-known facts about the cornerstones of Catholicism while enjoying Rome’s world-famous architecture and art on this private tour.
