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Guided tour
4.3/5
(14)
Margaret
Antoinette
Vanessa
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Join an expert-led tour of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and uncover centuries of art, history, and sacred treasures.
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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.
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Enjoy a small-group tour of up to 15 people for a more personal and immersive experience through Rome’s historic Marian basilica.
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Upgrade your visit with exclusive access to the basilica’s panoramic terraces for breathtaking city views.
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1-hour guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica with skip-the-line entry
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Art & historian expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
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Access to panoramic terraces (as per option selected)
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- Access through the Holy Door
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 14 reviews4.3
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.
84020What our guests say
Antoinette
Dec 2025Verified booking5/5Margaret
Oct 2025Verified booking5/5
Kathleen
Oct 2025Verified booking5/5
Vanessa
Sep 2025Verified booking4/5
Radtke
Sep 2025Verified booking5/5
Explore Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on a 1-hour guided tour with an expert, including access to key historic sites.
Getting started
Meet your guide near the main entrance and present your smartphone voucher for entry. After a brief introduction, your group of up to 15 will begin the tour, passing through security and heading into the basilica’s central areas.
What to expect
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
One of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore dates back to the 5th century and is renowned for its religious, artistic, and historical significance.
Features
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Loggia of Blessings: View the Miracle of the Snow mosaics, which depict the legendary origins of the basilica.
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Bernini’s staircase: Visit the staircase designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and learn about the artist, who is also buried here.
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Hall of the Popes: Walk through a gallery featuring portraits and memorabilia from past popes, highlighting the basilica’s ongoing papal connections.
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Liberian museum: Discover artifacts that reveal the basilica’s evolving role in Rome’s spiritual and cultural life.
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What to bring
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Have your smartphone voucher ready to show at the Portico reception upon arrival.
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Wear comfortable footwear, as the tour involves plenty of walking.
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Dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered, as you’ll be entering a sacred space.
What’s not allowed
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Food and beverages, including water, cannot be taken into the museum areas.
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Flash photography is prohibited inside the basilica.
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Large bags, suitcases, and bulky luggage are not permitted.
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Children under 7 are not allowed to access the dome.
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Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
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Entry to the Papal Basilica is typically free, but this guided tour offers dedicated, skip-the-line access.
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Certain areas of the basilica or museum may be closed without prior notice.
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Access may be limited or restricted during liturgical celebrations or special events.
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The Holy Door is not included as part of this ticket.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.
Ticket redemption point
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Show your ticket at Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
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Address: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy.
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