Religious Sites

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Guided Tour

1-hour guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica with skip-the-line entry

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

Access to panoramic terraces (as per option selected)

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

Loggia of Blessings: View the Miracle of the Snow mosaics, which depict the legendary origins of the basilica.

Bernini’s staircase: Visit the staircase designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and learn about the artist, who is also buried here.

Hall of the Popes: Walk through a gallery featuring portraits and memorabilia from past popes, highlighting the basilica’s ongoing papal connections.

Liberian museum: Discover artifacts that reveal the basilica’s evolving role in Rome’s spiritual and cultural life.

What to bring

Have your smartphone voucher ready to show at the Portico reception upon arrival.

Wear comfortable footwear, as the tour involves plenty of walking.

Dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered, as you’ll be entering a sacred space.

What’s not allowed

Food and beverages, including water, cannot be taken into the museum areas.

Flash photography is prohibited inside the basilica.

Large bags, suitcases, and bulky luggage are not permitted.

Children under 7 are not allowed to access the dome.

Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

Entry to the Papal Basilica is typically free, but this guided tour offers dedicated, skip-the-line access.

Certain areas of the basilica or museum may be closed without prior notice.

Access may be limited or restricted during liturgical celebrations or special events.

The Holy Door is not included as part of this ticket.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

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

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.