Landmarks

Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore Tickets with Panoramic Terrace and Museum Access

Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with tourists in the foreground.

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.

Duration

45 min

3.9/5

(80)

Manuela

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The Basilica is disarmingly beautiful! The staff very friendly, from the terrace there is a beautiful view of Rome. I will definitely come back to also enjoy some spaces that unfortunately in conjunction with the masses were not accessible.

Rosanna

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The view from the terrace is something spectacular, you can see a good part of Rome and its monuments and then Bernini's staircase and the tomb of Pope Francis. Those who love art cannot fail to visit this cathedral.

Maria

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Easy as claiming ticket when we reached basilica. The extra museum visit was amazing- very small group and able to go up onto the roof. We also saw a staircase by Bernini.

Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and see 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the Holy Cradle relic.

Step onto the terraces for sweeping views of Rome’s skyline, from historic piazzas to distant hills, all in one grand perspective.

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.

Access to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Access to Terraces

Access to Liberian Museum Centre

Access to underground archaeological area

Live guide

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

3.9
80 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.
35
22
5
12
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Guests from United States, Spain, France and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Manuela
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The Basilica is disarmingly beautiful! The staff very friendly, from the terrace there is a beautiful view of Rome. I will definitely come back to also enjoy some spaces that unfortunately in conjunction with the masses were not accessible.
Rosanna
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The view from the terrace is something spectacular, you can see a good part of Rome and its monuments and then Bernini's staircase and the tomb of Pope Francis. Those who love art cannot fail to visit this cathedral.
Loriana
Oct 2025
Verified booking
3/5
The Tomb of Pope Francis On the bihietyo the information was not entirely clear and I thought there was an audio guide which I purchased separately instead
Mary
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Small group of 8 people.Guide was knowledgable and nice. Lovely dry day which helped as it was outside.
Nathalie
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The 360° panoramic view is well worth seeing.

Step inside Rome’s Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and access its terrace and museum areas with a flexible, easy-to-book entry ticket.

Getting started

Begin your visit at the main entrance of the basilica, where your ticket will be validated. Follow any posted instructions for security checks before proceeding to the museum areas at your own pace.

What to expect

Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore

One of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore is a landmark of religious and artistic heritage, dating back to the 5th century. The basilica is renowned for its historical significance and its role as a center of Christian devotion.

Features

Museum area: Explore collections of sacred art, relics, and historical artifacts that trace centuries of religious tradition.

Mosaics and frescoes: Admire intricate mosaics and frescoes, some dating back to the early Christian era, which illustrate biblical stories and artistic mastery.

Crypt of the Nativity: View the Crypt of the Nativity and the relic of the Holy Crib, believed to be part of Jesus’ manger, a site of pilgrimage for many visitors.

Architectural highlights: Take in the basilica’s impressive architecture, including its grand nave and ornate chapels, reflecting a blend of styles from different eras.

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes as there may be significant walking and stairs.

Dress appropriately for a religious site: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and see-through clothing are not permitted.

Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the basilica or museum areas.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises.

Access will not be granted to visitors with bags or luggage.

Access through the Holy Door is not included.

Live or guided tours and escorted entrances are not included with your ticket.

Accessibility

The experience is not suitable for individuals with walking difficulties, heart conditions, claustrophobia, dizziness, disabilities, anxiety disorders, or those who are pregnant.

Wheelchair access is not available for all areas; some sections involve stairs and narrow passages.

Additional information

Entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free, while the audio guide, guided tour, or other listed inclusions are included in the ticket price.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for a smooth check-in.

Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance line.

The basilica enforces a strict dress code; failure to comply will result in denied entry.

The basilica reserves the right to close any section due to force majeure; this does not entitle visitors to a refund.

Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be modified unless you have selected a refundable option at booking.

Visitors with reduced-fee tickets or services without eligibility must pay the difference for full-price tickets or services.

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 the reception desk inside Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

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

Get directions to the redemption point