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Combo (Save 5%): Santa Maria Maggiore + St.Peter's Basilica Entry Tickets

Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Sculpture of Pope Pius IX kneeling in front of the Holy Manger, Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and altar in Vatican City.
Visitors overlooking St. Peter’s Square from the Basilica Dome Terrace in Vatican City.

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Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

3.3/5

(1,016)

Alessandra Moro

Alessandra

Feb 2026
Verified booking
This beautiful basilica is truly worth visiting! More than just a visit, it is an inner experience that allows you to truly feel the spirituality of the place. However, we had to work hard to visit it! We had booked tickets online with reserved access for 10:30 a.m., but when we arrived, there were lots of people there. When I pointed out to the staff that I had reserved access tickets, they replied that they were not valid because they had combined the queues, so everyone had to wait regardless of whether they had paid more for reserved access! Fortunately, we went to the office where we had picked up the tickets and they were very kind: they changed the day and time for us and in the end we were able to visit the Basilica.
Kober Barbara

Kober

Feb 2026
Verified booking
Admission to St. Peter's Basilica is free, but the queue is endless. On site, "Skip the Line" tickets were offered for €25 each (including children). I googled and found Headout – I paid €42 for myself and my two children (instead of €75). Or rather, €0. The lady was a little hard to find—she was wearing a red jacket but with a different logo. The meeting point for picking up the online tickets (a slight contradiction) was a 5-minute walk away. We had to wait a short while, but in the meantime we were given a very nice, detailed explanation of the queue, etc., and had a short chat. Access (another 5-minute walk back to St. Peter's Square) took less than 15 minutes, including security checks.
Annemarie Turnell

Annemarie

Mar 2026
Verified booking
I assumed it was the original website of the basilica, it was very time consuming, telling you to go and meet one person at a certain destination, noone there, calling them, and getting cut off. Then telling you, you dont have to meet anyone. Rome is hard going with lots of walking, we were sent to four different places, just to be told, after a second phone call , it was actually, at the first place we were at originally. Very stressfull and unnecessary. Once inside, it is stunning and beautiful
Julien jacky

Julien

Feb 2026
Verified booking
An incredible visit to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome! The architecture is breathtaking, with its majestic dome and impressive artistic details. The interior, filled with magnificent sculptures and frescoes, exudes a unique spiritual atmosphere. The view from the dome is breathtaking and offers a spectacular panorama of the city. It is a place rich in history and beauty, which I highly recommend to anyone visiting Rome. An unforgettable experience!
ROUX FREDERIC

Roux

Feb 2026
Verified booking
Hello, I booked several tickets to attractions with Headout for my trip to Rome. Everything went very smoothly and it saved us a lot of time compared to waiting in the usual lines. I either received the tickets directly by email or the site managers gave me the necessary QR codes. I am very satisfied with Headout's service and will use them again on my next trip. F. Roux
María Fernanda Alvariño Isarrualde

María

Feb 2026
Verified booking
The visit was great. We arrived at the square and the girls from the company registered our tickets on their phones and gave us printed tickets with QR codes to present at the door. As we had booked a guide, they escorted us to the door and left us there. On the way, we talked to one of the guides, who gave me lots of information and was very, very friendly. EXCELLENT SERVICE.
    • Discover Rome’s rich heritage by visiting two of its most important basilicas, each filled with remarkable art, history, and spiritual treasures, all in a single seamless experience.

    • Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, marvel at its stunning 5th-century mosaics, wander through beautifully adorned chapels, and learn about its sacred artworks with a multilingual audio guide.

    • Experience the world’s most famous Christian church with a digital audio guide and map highlighting 27 key sites, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Tombs, ensuring you see every important detail.

    • Enjoy a hassle-free visit with one convenient booking, access to hidden museum areas, in-depth audio guides, and added savings compared to purchasing separate tickets.

  • Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

    • Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

    • Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German

    St. Peter's Basilica

    • Access to Basilica and Papal Tombs

    • Digital audio guide

    • Digital guidebook

    • Transfers
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 1,016 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    400
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    Guests from United Kingdom, France, United States and over 67 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Annemarie Turnell

    Annemarie

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    I assumed it was the original website of the basilica, it was very time consuming, telling you to go and meet one person at a certain destination, noone there, calling them, and getting cut off. Then telling you, you dont have to meet anyone. Rome is hard going with lots of walking, we were sent to four different places, just to be told, after a second phone call , it was actually, at the first place we were at originally. Very stressfull and unnecessary. Once inside, it is stunning and beautiful
    Alan John William Croucher

    Alan

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Whilst it wasn't made clear initially that although we had been given details of the meeting point, we were actually able to just make our own way to the 'skip the queue' line. The audio was sent to us to download on the morning of the visit (could have been done earlier as we were getting concerned that we hadn't received it). Once there we had a clear passage to the basilica which helped enormously time wise.
    Anastasia Dengsø-Sørensen

    Anastasia

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Look for a person holding a flag that says "Headout /VIVA ROMA TOURS." We met her at Bar L'ottagono in Piazza del Risorgimento. At the location, you will receive tickets on WhatsApp, and you can also download an audio guide. From there, you walk to the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica, located on the right side, which is reserved for people with tickets.
    FAUSTA MERIGHI

    Fausta

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    We waited in line for about half an hour, using the priority entrance to the Basilica, but it was worth buying the ticket, otherwise it would have taken us several hours. We appreciated the explanations provided by the audio guide, which made the visit more interesting and helped us appreciate the most important and salient points.
    Dirk Manfred Linden

    Dirk

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Unfortunately, downloading the app for the digital audio guide did not work. We contacted the staff on site and were given a device free of charge in exchange for leaving our ID card, and were able to have everything explained in German. The visit to the cathedral was great.
  • Explore two of Rome’s most significant basilicas, St. Peter’s and Santa Maria Maggiore, with included audio guides.

    Getting started

    Begin at either basilica: join the free-entry line at St. Peter’s or present your ticket at Santa Maria Maggiore’s main entrance. Complete the security check, validate your ticket, and follow the instructions to access your digital audio guide or museum areas.

    What to expect

    Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

    Visit one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, dating back to the 5th century, celebrated for its religious significance and rich artistic heritage. Your ticket includes access to the terrace and museum areas.

    Features:

    • Mosaics and frescoes: Admire early Christian mosaics and frescoes that illustrate biblical stories and artistic mastery.

    • Crypt of the Nativity: See the relic of the Holy Crib, believed to be part of Jesus’ manger, a revered pilgrimage site.

    • Architectural highlights: Take in the grand nave and ornate chapels, reflecting a blend of architectural styles from different eras.

    St. Peter’s Basilica

    Step inside the world’s most visited church and explore centuries of Christian history and Renaissance art at your own pace. Your digital audio guide and guidebook highlight masterpieces and hidden details throughout the basilica.

    Features:

    • Michelangelo’s Pietà: Discover the story behind this renowned marble sculpture, created by Michelangelo at age 24.

    • Bernini’s Baldachin: See the monumental bronze canopy marking St. Peter’s tomb, a striking example of Baroque artistry.

    • Chapel of the Sacrament & Nave: Notice intricate mosaic floors and often-overlooked altars, brought to life by expert commentary.

  • St Peter's Basilica

    Monday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Tuesday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Wednesday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Thursday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Friday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Saturday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Sunday7:00am - 7:10pm

    St Peters Basilica Dome

    Monday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm
    Tuesday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm
    Wednesday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm
    Thursday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm
    Friday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm
    Saturday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm
    Sunday7:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 4:30pm

    St Peters Square

    Monday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Tuesday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Wednesday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Thursday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Friday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Saturday7:00am - 7:10pm
    Sunday7:00am - 7:10pm

    Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

    Monday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
    Tuesday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
    Wednesday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
    Thursday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
    Friday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
    Saturday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
    Sunday7:00am - 7:00amlast entry 6:30am
  • What to bring

    • Bring your own earphones to use with the smartphone audio guide.

    • Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking; it may be checked at the entrance.

    • Wear comfortable shoes as both basilica visits involve walking and stairs.

    • Dress respectfully for a religious site: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless tops, and see-through clothing are not allowed.

    What’s not allowed

    • Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage are prohibited; only small backpacks or personal bags are permitted (no cloakroom available).

    • Food, drinks, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly forbidden on the premises.

    • Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

    • Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are prohibited (non-flash photography is allowed).

    • Entry through the Holy Door is not included.

    • Infants are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

    Accessibility

    • Both experiences are not wheelchair accessible; some areas include stairs and narrow passageways.

    • These visits are unsuitable for individuals with walking difficulties, heart conditions, claustrophobia, dizziness, certain disabilities, anxiety disorders, or for pregnant visitors.

    • All visitors must pass airport-style security checks.

    Additional information

    • At St. Peter’s Basilica, there are two entrance lines, a free entry line and a reserved entry line. Only visitors with reserved tickets can use the reserved queue. Brief waits may still occur during peak hours due to security procedures. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

    • Entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica itself is free; tickets cover the audio guide and any additional inclusions.

    • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure smooth check-in.

    • Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance line.

    • Both basilicas enforce a strict dress code; failure to comply may result in denied entry.

    • The basilicas may close certain sections due to force majeure, which does not entitle visitors to a refund.

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