Santa Maria Maggiore

I love the Basilica of San Pietro. But Santa Maria Maggiore is my favorite papal basilica. It was actually the very first one I saw during my first trip to Rome, and I keep a vivid memory of this place. I love the ceiling. I love the beautiful art. This is also the basilica where Pope Francis is buried, in a simple and humble tomb compared to the ostentatious tombs of other popes. And do not miss the tomb of Bernini.