Religious Sites

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Guided Tour

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.

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Guided tour

4.2/5

(13)

Margaret

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

This is a short tour but is packed with information and explanations of the building of the basilica. Viewing the ancient history of the basilica was amazing but also having the explanation of where, how and what was it you were actually seeing was very interesting. Our guide was brilliant. The only issue was gathering together at the beginning and solely because of all the attention that was focused by people who wanted to enter the holy door

Vanessa

Sep 2025

Verified booking

4/5

The visit was disappointing.. started early and finished early. It was only about 25/30 minutes long. We felt rushed. We were walked through the chambers containing Papel Robes and other amazing items without stopping or given any historical information. Definitely would not recommend.

Nancy

Jul 2025

Verified booking

4/5

Ticketing experience good. Tour was 30 minutes , guide was knowledgeable but seemed rushed, no opportunity for questions. At the end of the, said he had to get back to work. Was a little disappointed as i had teally loomed forward to it.

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.

Upgrade to add access to the panoramic terraces or underground archaeological zone.

Guided tour of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with skip-the-line entry

Access to Liberian Museum center

Art & historian expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusive access to Terraces (as per option selected)

Access to Underground Archeological Area (as per option selected)

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

4.2
13 reviews
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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.
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What our guests say
Margaret
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
This is a short tour but is packed with information and explanations of the building of the basilica. Viewing the ancient history of the basilica was amazing but also having the explanation of where, how and what was it you were actually seeing was very interesting. Our guide was brilliant. The only issue was gathering together at the beginning and solely because of all the attention that was focused by people who wanted to enter the holy door
Kathleen
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
So nice to skip the line and the audio tour was really helpful to fully understand the site.
Vanessa
Sep 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The visit was disappointing.. started early and finished early. It was only about 25/30 minutes long. We felt rushed. We were walked through the chambers containing Papel Robes and other amazing items without stopping or given any historical information. Definitely would not recommend.
Radtke
Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We enjoyed this tour very much. We learned about the history of Basilica and the museum.
Nancy
Jul 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Ticketing experience good. Tour was 30 minutes , guide was knowledgeable but seemed rushed, no opportunity for questions. At the end of the, said he had to get back to work. Was a little disappointed as i had teally loomed forward to it.

Step inside Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore on a guided tour led by the Vatican’s official art and historian expert.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the main entrance of the basilica for ticket validation and a brief introduction. After a quick check-in, your small group (maximum 20) will set off to explore the basilica’s storied halls.

What to expect

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Recognized as one of Rome’s four major basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore has stood since the 5th century and is celebrated for its enduring religious, historical, and artistic significance.

Features

Basilica Papale & Loggia delle Benedizioni: Walk through the heart of the basilica and the loggia where papal blessings are delivered, both central to centuries of Catholic tradition.

Sala dei Papi: Discover portraits and stories of past popes in this hall, highlighting the basilica’s deep papal connections.

Scala di Gian Lorenzo Bernini: Admire Bernini’s staircase, a masterwork of Baroque architecture by one of Italy’s most influential artists.

Museo Storico Liberiano: Visit the museum to see sacred relics and artifacts that trace the basilica’s evolving role in Roman history.

Mosaics of the Nave and Apse: Marvel at the intricate mosaics, unique for their age and artistry, depicting biblical scenes and early Christian iconography.

Chapels, High Altar & Relic of the Holy Cradle: Explore chapels dedicated to saints, the ornate high altar, and the relic believed to be from the manger of Christ, each adding spiritual and historical depth.

Your expert guide shares the legends, art, and architecture that make Santa Maria Maggiore a cornerstone of Rome’s religious heritage. Earphones are available for rent to enhance your audio experience. Please dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered) to enter this sacred site.

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID or passport for entry if requested.

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking.

Bring your smartphone voucher to show at the entrance or to reception staff.

Consider bringing a camera (non-flash photography only).

Appropriate attire is required; shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the basilica.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and luggage are not permitted inside the basilica or through the reserved gate.

Food and drinks, including water, are not allowed inside the museum and sacred areas.

Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the basilica.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Children under 7 years old are not allowed on certain areas of the tour, including the Dome and underground sections.

Access through the Holy Door is not included.

Panoramic terraces are not included in most variants.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues.

Additional information

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth entry.

Maximum group size is 20 participants.

Live guides are available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

Earphones are not included but can be rented on site for an additional fee.

The management reserves the right to close certain areas due to force majeure or weather-related events; such closures do not entitle visitors to a refund.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

Ticket redemption point

Show your ticket at Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Address: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy.

Get directions to the redemption point