I was wondering whether anyone knows the time of worship services at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome? I'm looking at their web site and FB pages, and I e-mailed them this question months ago, but I haven't found out the answer to my question yet? We'll be in that area December 21-22, and I thought it would be fabulous to attend an actual worship service. Early morning would work well, or late evening.
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/index_fr.html
Joni nailed it: that page lists all the mass times.
Secondary source:
https://www.walksofitaly.com/top-attractions/basilica-di-santa-maria-maggiore
I think you would enjoy Santa Prassede, a couple of blocks from Santa Maria Maggiore. Beautiful mosaics.
Thanks for the great info! I appreciate the extra info, Zoe. Will do!
Santa Prassede may close for lunch, or even for the whole afternoon, during winter, but worth a shot to check their opening times. Bring a couple of coins to feed the light boxes.
How strange, Sandra! There are so many posts on the Internet about going there, to Maria Maggiore, instead of St. Peter's, for Christmas Eve, because it's so beautiful inside, they say? Good to know, though. I love the nun story. How I'd love to see her in action. If you can find out the exact time she opens the window, I'd love to know it and will try to watch her. We are staying at the Youth Hostel on Cavour for a few nights. It is 3 minutes from the Termini, by foot. How long would this be from Maria Maggiore, on foot? I'm glad you shared this. I'd have been very disappointed had we gone to visit an inaccessible church.
Many people went to look at it and would say that the Internet posts
opening hours and worship times, and gives No indication that the
church is locked up and closed to the public, leaving many a pilgrim
surprised, sad and disappointed.
Interesting because I pull up the live cam for this one pretty regularly and have seen lots of visitors arriving and departing on the days that I've looked in.
https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio/roma/basilica-papale-santa-maria-maggiore.html
Just as interesting, a quick scan of recent Trip Advisor reviews turns up no complaints about the church being unexpectedly closed. That can happen one reason or another at ANY church but if it was occurring with regularity, there would be umpty comments about that.
Editing to add: I see a few comments about long queues to get in due to the security checks.
In August, the basilica was open at the front entrance only, with a large security apparatus for visitors to funnel through. This has been the case for a number of years now.
Good to know, Kathy, Sandra, and Zoe. I appreciate your help. I have a feeling it will definitely be open during the holiday weeks, High Season.
