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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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Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with gold detailing and ornate columns.
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome with its ornate facade and bell tower.
Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Dome and ceiling artwork of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Dormition of the Virgin Mary mosaic in Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, depicting apostles and angels.
Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Esquilino in Rome.
Spiral staircase inside Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.
Interior of the Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy, featuring ornate altar.
Close-up of Holy Gates relief in Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, depicting religious figures.
Sculpture of Pope Pius IX kneeling in front of the Holy Manger, Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Entry Tickets

Flexible duration
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
€9.34
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade with visitors in Rome, Italy.
Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Close-up of Holy Gates relief in Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, depicting religious figures.
Intricate interior details of Santa Maria Maggiore basilica dome in Rome.
Interior of the Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy, featuring ornate altar.
Altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with gold detailing and ornate columns.
Sculpture of Pope Pius IX kneeling in front of the Holy Manger, Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Underground Guided Tour

50 min

  • 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 or Italian-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 or Italian-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
Santa Maria Maggiore facade in Rome with bell tower and surrounding buildings.
Altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with gold detailing and ornate columns.
Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Sistine Chapel of Santa Maria Maggiore interior with ornate altar and frescoes.
Dome and ceiling artwork of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Santa Maria Maggiore Papal Altar with ornate frescoes and gold detailing.
Dormition of the Virgin Mary mosaic in Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, depicting apostles and angels.
Statue in Santa Maria Maggiore's Crypt of the Nativity, Rome, with ornate altar above.
Sculpted Nativity Scene at Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, featuring Mary and baby Jesus.
Rooftop view from Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore overlooking Rome at sunset.
Spiral staircase inside Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.
Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Esquilino in Rome.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Guided Tour

Flexible duration

  • 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
€18
St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza, Rome, with tourists exploring the historic site.
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.
Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Esquilino in Rome.
Dome and ceiling artwork of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with gold detailing and ornate columns.
Spiral staircase inside Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate ceiling and columns in Vatican City.
Tomb of Pope John Paul I in Vatican Grottoes, Vatican City, with a guide explaining.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with Michelangelo's Pietà statue.
Dormition of the Virgin Mary mosaic in Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, depicting apostles and angels.

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

Flexible duration
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 €20.38
€19.36

5% off

Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade and Vatican Museum entrance in Rome.
Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Esquilino in Rome.
Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Sphere sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro at Vatican Museum, Vatican City.
Vatican Museums gallery with classical statues and ornate ceiling.
Dome and ceiling artwork of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Interior of the Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy, featuring ornate altar.
Sculpture of Pope Pius IX kneeling in front of the Holy Manger, Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.
Laocoön and His Sons sculpture in Vatican Museums, Vatican City.
Spiral staircase in Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy.
Statue of river god Oceanus surrounded by figures in Vatican Museums.

Combo (Save 24%): Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

Flexible duration
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 €58.78
€44.57

24% off

Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and bustling Piazza Navona in Rome.
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome with its ornate facade and bell tower.
Dome and ceiling artwork of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Tourists gathered at Piazza Navona, Rome, near the central obelisk and fountain.
Trevi Fountain with sculptures and tourists in Rome, Italy.
Visitors at the altar of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, with ornate ceiling and columns.
Interior of the Sistine Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy, featuring ornate altar.
Spiral staircase inside Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.
Tour group listening to a guide near Trevi Fountain, Rome.
Crowd gathered around Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, with historic architecture in the background.
Tour group at Trevi Fountain during guided walking tour in Rome.

Combo (Save 10%): Santa Maria Maggiore Entry Tickets + Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona Guided Walking Tour

Flexible duration
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 €33.38
€30.04

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.

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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

Address

Via Liberiana, 27, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Travel guides and tips

A guide to Santa Maria Maggiore, an ancient basilica in Rome

A guide to Santa Maria Maggiore, an ancient basilica in Rome

Located in the heart of Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore stands as a testament to centuries of history, devotion, and architectural grandeur. This magnificent basilica, also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome and a renowned pilgrimage site. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a […]

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What our guests say

Ivanciuc A

Romania
Couple
Last week

+3 more

the skip the line tickets helped us get in in about 15-20 minutes, including the security check, which made everything a pleasant experience. the whole tour we did, a little rushed, took about 2.5 hours. we initially wanted to stay longer in certain museums and skip others, but we didn't know that to get to the Sistine Chapel for example, you have to go through all the museums, because you enter from one to the other, but somehow at the end of the day this was a good thing, because we saw (I think) everything. inside it wasn't overly crowded, except for the moments when we suddenly met 2-3 groups. we ate at the museum restaurant and the food was good and at an ok price. it was a superb museum and made our day wonderful

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

Marcelo O

Brazil
Group
Last week
Buying tickets through Hedout is your best bet. The lines to get into the museum are huge, and it’s all very chaotic. It’s important to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled time. If you’re visiting with family, plan to arrive 30 minutes early.

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

Osmayr A

Brazil
Couple
2 weeks ago

+7 more

Everything was wonderful. Of course, there was a bit of a line since I visited St. Peter’s Basilica, and there are people from all over the world there. However, the line was much shorter than the one for people who didn’t buy tickets through Headout. It was fantastic—I highly recommend it.

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

Fabrizio A

Switzerland
Couple
2 weeks ago
Well-organized, punctual—the only downside is the long line to get in, even with prepaid tickets, though this is due to the large crowds at this time of year.

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

Nicole L

United States
Solo
Mar 2026
I had a great tour with Sharon! She is very knowledgeable about the history of the sites we stopped at, was able to answer all of our questions, and even gave us tips as local. The tour was on schedule without feeling rushed and covered Trevi Fountain as well as other notable sites in the area. I highly recommend this tour with Sharon as your guide!

Combo: Santa Maria Maggiore Entry Tickets + Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona Guided Walking Tour

Alyson B

United Kingdom
Solo
Feb 2026
So easy to order , had a lovely time , it's definitely worth paying to go up and see the view plus the little museum had some lovely thing in , did this in my first afternoon and it didn't disappoint ❤️

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Entry Tickets

Marzena R

Poland
Group
Jan 2026
The beauty of baroc art , and really good work organisation and service of museums' staff, considering thousands of tourists . CONGRATULAZIONI 🇮🇹❤️

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Entry Tickets

Antoinette M

United States
Solo
Dec 2025
The tour guide was knowledgeable kind and easy to communicate with on all aspects of the Basilica. The Basilica was fascinating. The history of the relics, Popes and icons was very interesting. I was privileged to walk through the Holy Door.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Guided Tour

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