The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Rome, Italy

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is an ancient Catholic basilica of Rome. It is one of the four major basilicas, built over the pagan temple of Cybele, Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman basilica that retained the core of its original structure, left intact despite several additional construction projects and damage from the earthquake of 1348.

After the Avignon papacy formally ended and the Papacy returned to Rome, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore became a temporary Palace of the Popes due to the deteriorated state of the Lateran Palace. The papal residence was later moved to the Palace of the Vatican in present-day Vatican City.

Below the sanctuary of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the Bethlehem Crypt where many significant figures in the history of the Roman Catholic Church are buried. The crypt is furnished with an altar and seating for the celebration of the Eucharist.