Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Lonely Planet review

Legend has it that in 352 Pope Liberius dreamt he was told by the Virgin Mary to build a church on the spot that he found snow. When, the following morning, the 5th of August in the middle of a hot summer, snow fell on the Esquilino, he began building. Every year thousands of white petals are released from the basilica's coffered gilt ceiling in commemoration.

The basilica is a mix of artistic and architectural styles. Of the artistic splendours on show, it's the cycle of 5th-century mosaics in the triumphal arch and nave that stand out. They depict biblical scenes featuring Abraham, Jacob and Isaac to the left, and Moses and Joshua to the right. The central image in the apse, signed by Jacopo Torriti, dates from the 13th century and represents the coronation of the Virgin.

There is also a museum that includes a somewhat motley collection of exhibits, including a few reliquaries, some huge gilt candlesticks. You can also visit the upper loggia where you'll find some wonderful 13th-century mosaics. Visits are by guided tour only.