The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches. A patriarchal basilica is a church in which the high altar is reserved only for the use of the Pope or his representative.
The Basilica is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Rome and is set atop Esquiline Hill. While some of the impact of this commanding location has been diminished by the construction of the modern city, it still emanates quite a presence even though much of the exterior is from renovations in the eighteenth century.