Had enough of the crowds? Once you’ve seen Rome, consider a day trip to these lesser known but no less beautiful towns for sunbathing, medieval charm, and fairy-tale gardens.

Perched on top of one of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built, Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four papal basilicas. Its bell tower is the tallest in the Italian capital, rising to a ...

Crowds of mourners waited in line on Sunday for a chance to visit Pope Francis’ final resting place in the Santa Maria Maggiore ... the northwestern Italian region from where his grandparents ...

"I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore." Pope Francis wrote this in his will, ready as early as June 29, 2022.

He also asked that his “last earthly journey” end at the “very ancient Marian shrine,” of Santa Maria Maggiore ... Basilica in Vatican City in Rome, Italy. It also locates St. John ...

The small town of Santa Maria a Monte, about 20 miles east of Pisa in northwest Italy, was “shocked” by the events of this week, Manuela Del Grande, the town’s mayor, said in an interview.

Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on April 26, 2025, as many world leaders will attend to honour the Catholic leader.

Francis, who died on Monday aged 88, was laid to rest during a 30-minute ceremony which started at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT) at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in the Italian capital. Footage shared by ...