Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, an exemplary statement of Baroque and Medieval architecture, is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome. Immerse yourself in a grand yet calming atmosphere of Santa Maria Maggiore and understand its papal history.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and see 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the Holy Cradle relic.
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Access the exclusive Liberian Museum, normally closed to the public, with papal vestments, liturgical objects, manuscripts, and sacred art.
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Visit restricted areas including the Hall of Popes, Loggia of Blessings, and Bernini Staircase.
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Enjoy a multilingual audio guide for expert insights at your own pace.
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Upgrade for terrace access with rare panoramic views or skip-the-line entry any time of day.
More details
-
Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and see 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the Holy Cradle relic.
-
Access the exclusive Liberian Museum, normally closed to the public, with papal vestments, liturgical objects, manuscripts, and sacred art.
-
Visit restricted areas including the Hall of Popes, Loggia of Blessings, and Bernini Staircase.
-
Enjoy a multilingual audio guide for expert insights at your own pace.
-
Upgrade for terrace access with rare panoramic views or skip-the-line entry any time of day.
-
Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica with a Vatican-trained expert in a small group.
-
See 5th-century mosaics, the Holy Cradle relic, and Bernini’s elegant spiral staircase.
-
Get exclusive access to the Liberian Museum, including the Hall of Popes and sacred papal artifacts.
-
Learn the legend of the miraculous summer snowfall and other sacred stories from your guide.
-
Add access to the panoramic terraces or underground archaeological zone.
More details
-
Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica with a Vatican-trained expert in a small group.
-
See 5th-century mosaics, the Holy Cradle relic, and Bernini’s elegant spiral staircase.
-
Get exclusive access to the Liberian Museum, including the Hall of Popes and sacred papal artifacts.
-
Learn the legend of the miraculous summer snowfall and other sacred stories from your guide.
-
Add access to the panoramic terraces or underground archaeological zone.
-
Skip the lines and step inside the awe-inspiring Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
-
Explore a restricted archaeological site beneath the basilica, led by a Vatican-trained guide.
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Discover ancient Roman villa ruins, thermal rooms, tombs, and a rare 2nd-century agricultural calendar.
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Visit the sacred Treasury Room and marvel at dazzling 5th-century mosaics in the basilica’s nave.
-
The only tour that grants access to the active underground dig site, 2,000 years of history hidden from public view.
More details
-
Skip the lines and step inside the awe-inspiring Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
-
Explore a restricted archaeological site beneath the basilica, led by a Vatican-trained guide.
-
Discover ancient Roman villa ruins, thermal rooms, tombs, and a rare 2nd-century agricultural calendar.
-
Visit the sacred Treasury Room and marvel at dazzling 5th-century mosaics in the basilica’s nave.
-
The only tour that grants access to the active underground dig site, 2,000 years of history hidden from public view.
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About Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Santa Maria Maggiore’s founding is linked to a miraculous summer snowfall in August 352 AD, commemorated each year by a shower of white rose petals inside the basilica.
The basilica’s ceiling is gilded with gold said to be the first brought from the New World, gifted by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain after Columbus’s voyage.
It is the only papal basilica in Rome to preserve its original 5th-century basilican layout and dimensions, with 36 ancient marble columns lining the nave.
The Salus Populi Romani icon, housed in the Pauline Chapel, is believed by legend to have been painted by St. Luke, though scholars date it to the 9th century.
Santa Maria Maggiore’s 75-meter bell tower is the tallest in Rome, and its grounds are Vatican property, enjoying extraterritorial status under the Lateran Treaty.
Why visit Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica?
Plan your visit
Main Entrance (Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore)
This is the primary entrance, located at the top of the staircase facing Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, directly beneath the basilica’s grand Baroque façade. It’s the most recognizable entry point, marked by large bronze doors and the Marian column in front. Visitors will pass through a brief security screening here. Please note there are several steps leading up, but staff are available to assist those who need help.
Accessible Entrance (Left Side – Near Holy Door)
For step-free access, use the entrance on the left side of the main façade, near the Holy Door. This entrance is suitable for wheelchair users, visitors with strollers, or anyone who prefers to avoid stairs. Security staff can direct you to this entry, which leads directly into the nave. The basilica’s main floor is level and easy to navigate once inside.
South Side Entrance (Via di Santa Prassede)
Occasionally open for special events or group tours, this entrance is located along Via di Santa Prassede, to the right of the basilica when facing the main façade. It is sometimes used for guided tours or during high-traffic periods. Accessibility may vary; check with staff if you require step-free access.
Audio guides are available for rent at the information desk for a fee (approx. €8). They provide detailed commentary in multiple languages.
Toilets for visitors are available in a side annex of the basilica. Follow signage or ask staff for directions.
A small souvenir shop is located near the main entrance, offering religious items, books, and postcards.
An information desk is located near the main entrance, where staff can assist with visitor questions and audio guide rentals.
The basilica is wheelchair accessible via a step-free entrance on the left side of the main facade. Most main areas, including the nave and chapels, are accessible. Some upper museum areas may not be fully accessible due to stairs.
Wheelchairs are not available for loan on-site, but visitors may bring their own. Staff can assist with accessible entry if needed.
Strollers are allowed in the main nave and aisles. Please avoid blocking pathways and be mindful during crowded times.
Service animals are welcome to accompany visitors with disabilities throughout the basilica.
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