Letting the space speak
Once inside, first step back to take in the whole. The dome and baldachin draw the eye; a guided tour or audio tour explains the references to Roman church architecture. Then look again: which detail becomes clearer through that explanation?
The story beneath the church
The museum in the crypt covers the history of the basilica. Combine that with your own impression of the building. A construction story raises different questions from a first glance upwards: how is what you saw above explained?
Looking during a church visit
Plan your visit around the services and be considerate of others present. If you want to visit the dome, also bear the stairs in mind. Ask about the options on the day itself; an ordinary visit and a climb require different preparation.
Before you go
The crypt opens later than the basilica. On Sundays there is a Eucharist at 11:00; check the winter hours.
Sources
This information has been compiled from public sources. Not everything has been confirmed by the museum itself; please check opening hours and prices on the museum's website.