Santa Maria Maggiore Tickets

Overlooking the basilica, the Bell Tower of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica stands almost 75 meters, making it the tallest bell tower in Rome. With its Romanesque design and elegant proportions, the Bell Tower provides some of the most stunning views of the Rome skyline.

The triumphal arch is located above the main altar of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. The stunning mosaics on the arch depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, including the Coronation of the Virgin Mary and other instances from the life of Christ.

The Chapel of the Nativity within Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is particularly noteworthy. It features frescoes depicting the birth of Jesus and adds to the overall artistic and religious experience of the visit.

Located just beneath the main altar at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, the ornate Papal Altar is decorated beautifully. The Papal Altar is of great significance at the basilica, since it is presided over by the Pope during special religious ceremonies.

Located beneath the main nave, the Crypt of the Nativity is an altar that is believed to contain five fragments of the original Bethlehem manger of Jesus Christ. Owing to this, Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is one of the seven pilgrimage sites of Rome.

• Wheelchair accessible
  
• Washrooms
  
• Information desk
  
• Gift shop

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and comfortably explore Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. 
  
• On August 5th every year, white flower petals are dropped from the ceiling of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. This event commemorates the day when snow, during the height of summers in Rome, miraculously fell on Esquiline Hill. 
  
• Conversely, if you’re in the vicinity at night, catch a glimpse of the basilica’s beautiful illumination. If you’re lucky, hear the choir sing too!
  
• The Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is a place of worship, so dress modestly. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when you visit the basilica. 
  
• Plan your visit to Santa Maria Maggiore on August 5th, so that you can be a part of the ceremony where white flower petals are dropped from the ceiling of the basilica to commemorate the miraculous event that led to the creation of the basilica. 
  
• There are special designated areas exclusively meant for prayers  and reflection. These areas are clearly marked inside the basilica, so be mindful of these areas, and ensure that you do not disturb the visitors here. 
  
• The Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is centrally located, so plan to visit nearby attractions as well. 
  
• Look beyond the obvious highlights like the mosaics and Sistine Chapel. Pay attention to details like the Cosmati floor in the nave, the tomb of Bernini, and the exquisite marble reliefs depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.
  
• Photography is permitted inside Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, but flash photography and tripods are not allowed inside the basilica.