Help

Sell on Headout

Experience the best of 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.
4.4/5
49,255 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 10, Altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with gold detailing and ornate columns.
Altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with gold detailing and ornate columns.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Step inside Rome’s oldest Marian basilica and take in its architectural grandeur, centuries of history, spiritual significance, and artistic beauty.

  • Admire the breathtaking gilded ceiling, the Virgin Mary apse mosaic, the Borghese and Pauline Chapels, and the Crypt of the Nativity, exploring each at your own pace.

  • Let the audio guide bring every corner to life, sharing stories, historical insights, and fascinating details about the basilica.

  • Enhance your visit with upgrades like panoramic terrace access, entry to the Liberian Museum, or a guided tour for deeper exploration.

More details
  • Step inside Rome’s oldest Marian basilica and take in its architectural grandeur, centuries of history, spiritual significance, and artistic beauty.

  • Admire the breathtaking gilded ceiling, the Virgin Mary apse mosaic, the Borghese and Pauline Chapels, and the Crypt of the Nativity, exploring each at your own pace.

  • Let the audio guide bring every corner to life, sharing stories, historical insights, and fascinating details about the basilica.

  • Enhance your visit with upgrades like panoramic terrace access, entry to the Liberian Museum, or a guided tour for deeper exploration.

from
€9
Slide 1 of 7, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade with visitors in Rome, Italy.
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade with visitors in Rome, Italy.
50 mins
  • Explore the underground chambers of a grand Roman basilica, where centuries-old mosaics, frescoes, and archaeological remains have been preserved for millennia.
  • Discover exclusive subterranean areas, including the Treasure Room, ancient mosaics, unique fresco cycles, and historic thermal healing spaces, accessible only with a guided tour.
  • Go through intricate details such as original tilework, geometric frescoes, and early architectural elements, explained by an expert English speaking guide.
  • Choose this experience to uncover rarely seen Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque layers beneath one of Rome’s most iconic religious sites.
More details
  • Explore the underground chambers of a grand Roman basilica, where centuries-old mosaics, frescoes, and archaeological remains have been preserved for millennia.
  • Discover exclusive subterranean areas, including the Treasure Room, ancient mosaics, unique fresco cycles, and historic thermal healing spaces, accessible only with a guided tour.
  • Go through intricate details such as original tilework, geometric frescoes, and early architectural elements, explained by an expert English speaking guide.
  • Choose this experience to uncover rarely seen Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque layers beneath one of Rome’s most iconic religious sites.
from
€18
Slide 1 of 13, St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza, Rome, with tourists exploring the historic site.
St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza, Rome, with tourists exploring the historic site.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • 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 get a close up of its sacred artworks.

  • 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.

More details
  • 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 get a close up of its sacred artworks.

  • 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.

from Original price€21
€16.15

23% off

Slide 1 of 12, Santa Maria Maggiore facade in Rome with bell tower and surrounding buildings.
Santa Maria Maggiore facade in Rome with bell tower and surrounding buildings.
1 hr - 1 hr 30 mins
  • Join an expert-led tour of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and uncover centuries of art, history, and sacred treasures.

  • Visit the Blessing Loggia, Hall of Popes, Bernini's Staircase, and the Liberian Museum, seeing the Miracle of the Snow mosaics and other fascinating artifacts.

  • Enjoy a small-group tour of up to 15 people for a more personal and immersive experience through Rome’s historic Marian basilica.

  • Upgrade your visit with exclusive access to the basilica’s panoramic terraces for breathtaking city views.

More details
  • Join an expert-led tour of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and uncover centuries of art, history, and sacred treasures.

  • Visit the Blessing Loggia, Hall of Popes, Bernini's Staircase, and the Liberian Museum, seeing the Miracle of the Snow mosaics and other fascinating artifacts.

  • Enjoy a small-group tour of up to 15 people for a more personal and immersive experience through Rome’s historic Marian basilica.

  • Upgrade your visit with exclusive access to the basilica’s panoramic terraces for breathtaking city views.

from
€20.50
Slide 1 of 11, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade and Vatican Museum entrance in Rome.
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade and Vatican Museum entrance in Rome.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Experience two of Rome’s most iconic sites in one seamless visit, skipping long lines while exploring the basilica’s sacred treasures and the Vatican’s masterpieces.

  • Access Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, featuring stunning 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the revered Holy Cradle relic.

  • Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, and stroll through the historic Patrizi Montoro Palace.

  • Upgrade to guided tours at both sites to uncover hidden corners, gain expert insights, and enjoy a richer, more immersive experience.

More details
  • Experience two of Rome’s most iconic sites in one seamless visit, skipping long lines while exploring the basilica’s sacred treasures and the Vatican’s masterpieces.

  • Access Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, featuring stunning 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the revered Holy Cradle relic.

  • Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, and stroll through the historic Patrizi Montoro Palace.

  • Upgrade to guided tours at both sites to uncover hidden corners, gain expert insights, and enjoy a richer, more immersive experience.

from Original price€34.38
€32.66

5% off

Slide 1 of 10, Interior of Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Interior of Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
3 hrs
1 more
  • Visit three of Rome’s major papal basilicas in one seamless semi-private tour with a maximum of 7 guests.

  • Follow an expert guide through Santa Maria Maggiore, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint John in Lateran to uncover centuries of faith, art, and history.

  • Travel comfortably between each basilica in a luxury vehicle, maximizing your time and minimizing logistics.

  • Enjoy extra time at each stop to pray, reflect, explore independently, or browse religious gift shops.

  • Complete your experience with a visit to the Scala Sancta, the revered Holy Stairs traditionally believed to have been climbed by Christ before his trial.

More details
  • Visit three of Rome’s major papal basilicas in one seamless semi-private tour with a maximum of 7 guests.

  • Follow an expert guide through Santa Maria Maggiore, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint John in Lateran to uncover centuries of faith, art, and history.

  • Travel comfortably between each basilica in a luxury vehicle, maximizing your time and minimizing logistics.

  • Enjoy extra time at each stop to pray, reflect, explore independently, or browse religious gift shops.

  • Complete your experience with a visit to the Scala Sancta, the revered Holy Stairs traditionally believed to have been climbed by Christ before his trial.

from
€110
Slide 1 of 6, Big Bus tour in front of the Colosseum, Rome, at dusk.
Big Bus tour in front of the Colosseum, Rome, at dusk.
1 hr
1 more
  • Experience Rome's allure after dark and catch the city’s illuminated sights on this night bus tour with no unnecessary pit stops.

  • Relax on plush seats for 1 hour, and immerse yourself in Rome's unique fusion of old and modern sites, against the backdrop of a glittering night sky.

  • Catch ultimate 360-degree views of Roman sights on an open-top bus, complete with live tracking and an audio guide in 8 languages.

  • See everything Rome has on display! Hit legendary Roman landmarks like The Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and more.

More details
  • Experience Rome's allure after dark and catch the city’s illuminated sights on this night bus tour with no unnecessary pit stops.

  • Relax on plush seats for 1 hour, and immerse yourself in Rome's unique fusion of old and modern sites, against the backdrop of a glittering night sky.

  • Catch ultimate 360-degree views of Roman sights on an open-top bus, complete with live tracking and an audio guide in 8 languages.

  • See everything Rome has on display! Hit legendary Roman landmarks like The Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and more.

from
€23
Slide 1 of 11, Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and bustling Piazza Navona in Rome.
Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and bustling Piazza Navona in Rome.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Enjoy a unique combo that brings together Rome’s sacred art and bustling historic streets in a single, seamless experience.

  • Access one of Rome’s oldest Marian basilicas to admire 5th-century mosaics, ornate chapels, and sacred relics, with a multilingual audio guide to explore its history.

  • Discover Rome’s iconic landmarks on a walking tour with an English-speaking guide, visiting the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon in a small group (max 25), including a complimentary coffee or gelato break.

  • Enhance your visit with an English guided tour of the basilica led by an art and history expert for deeper insights.

More details
  • Enjoy a unique combo that brings together Rome’s sacred art and bustling historic streets in a single, seamless experience.

  • Access one of Rome’s oldest Marian basilicas to admire 5th-century mosaics, ornate chapels, and sacred relics, with a multilingual audio guide to explore its history.

  • Discover Rome’s iconic landmarks on a walking tour with an English-speaking guide, visiting the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon in a small group (max 25), including a complimentary coffee or gelato break.

  • Enhance your visit with an English guided tour of the basilica led by an art and history expert for deeper insights.

from Original price€34
€30.60

10% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Step inside from the Esquiline Hill entrance for the most dramatic first view of the nave, it’s the classic “wow” angle photographers love.

Carry a small coin purse: many side chapels and crypts have candle boxes where you can light one for a symbolic €1.

If you’re interested in relics, head straight to the Crypt of the Nativity, often overlooked by visitors rushing to the nave.

Sundays at 10am feature Gregorian chants, so arrive early to soak in the music in a half-lit basilica atmosphere.

Dress code is enforced more strictly here than in smaller Roman churches, so bring a scarf/shawl if you’re unsure.

About Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Santa Maria Maggiore shines in any Rome collection, offering a harmonious blend of ancient art, papal history, and spiritual significance. As one of the city’s four major basilicas, it’s a highlight for pilgrims, art lovers, and curious travelers alike—showcasing original mosaics, sacred relics, and a welcoming, tranquil atmosphere that stands apart from Rome’s busier attractions.


AddressVia Liberiana, 27, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Also known asBasilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Year opened1743
Founded byFerdinando Fuga
Visitors per year2000000
Unesco status1980

Did you know?

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?

Marvel at 5th-Century Mosaics

Admire some of the world’s oldest Christian mosaics, still glowing with color and detail after 1,500 years. These biblical scenes line the nave and triumphal arch, offering a rare glimpse into early Christian art.

Experience the Legendary Golden Ceiling

Gaze up at the Renaissance coffered ceiling, gilded with the first gold brought from the Americas. Its radiant glow and intricate design are a testament to the basilica’s rich history and papal patronage.

See the Salus Populi Romani Icon

Visit the Borghese Chapel to see the revered Salus Populi Romani icon, a miraculous image of Mary that has protected Rome for centuries and is beloved by popes and locals alike.

Discover Sacred Relics in the Nativity Crypt

Descend to the Crypt of the Nativity to view fragments of the Holy Crib from Bethlehem, a deeply moving relic that draws pilgrims and visitors, especially during the Christmas season.

Enjoy a Peaceful, Accessible Visit

Relish the peaceful atmosphere and easy access—entry is free, crowds are manageable, and the basilica’s central location makes it a perfect addition to any Rome itinerary.

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.

Browse by themes

What our guests say

Bernhard H

Germany
Couple
Last week
Fast-track entry worked very well. We got in within 15 minutes. The audio guide was very well done. Precise directions on exactly where to go, combined with a great audio story. It was crafted like a little story, had a clear common thread, and featured good content. Only the access route to the Catacombs was incorrect.

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore + St.Peter's Basilica Entry Tickets

Eline F

Norway
Solo
3 weeks ago
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica was an unforgettable experience. I was struck by the sheer scale and beauty of the architecture, from the towering dome to the intricate details in every corner. The atmosphere felt both peaceful and powerful, and knowing the history behind the place made it even more meaningful. It was not just visually impressive, but also deeply moving on a personal level. Using Heaout made it easy - a much shorter line, as well as an easy experience.

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore + St.Peter's Basilica Entry Tickets

Gary T

United Kingdom
Couple
Last week
We went early as to avoid the chaos which sort of worked,straight in tickets and the guide made the difference straight in and of you go. 100% would do exactly the same thing again.

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

Matilde P

Argentina
Group
Last week

+1 more

Excellent experience without waiting in a single line. We had a great time discovering this icon of Catholic history.

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

Kerri R

Couple
Aug 2026
Cool breeze blowing through the rooftop. Beautiful photo opportunities- don't forget your earpieces from the driver! Recommend this tour over the day tour

Big Bus: Rome Panoramic Night Bus Tour

Modde P

Couple
May 2026

+1 more

A chance to see the city’s most iconic sights in a short amount of time, with an engaging commentary. The audio could be improved.

Big Bus: Rome Panoramic Night Bus Tour

Nearby cities to explore

Get the Headout app, save up to 80%

Enjoy exclusive deals, offline access to your tickets & live booking updates.

Trusted by over 57 million guests worldwide

100% booking protection

You are fully protected end-to-end. If anything is off, we'll fix it or refund you.

Know more

Book with flexibility

Book stress-free with free cancellation and pay-later options on most experiences.

24/7 trip support

We're always a tap away - before, during and after your trip, in all languages.

Verified reviews from real travellers. Trusted by guests worldwide.