Visiting Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

  • Ways to explore: Choose from flexible entry options tailored to your visit such as standard entry with audio guide, entry with museum access, or full access including the panoramic terrace. You can also join art & historian expert-led guided tours for a deeper experience inside the basilica, museum, and other areas, generally not open to the public.
  • Guided options: Select from English or Italian guided tours that walk you through the basilica’s history, art, and chapels. Terrace-access tours let you climb to the upper levels for breathtaking views. Dedicated underground tours reveal archaeological layers and hidden spaces beneath the basilica.
  • Make the most of your visit: Pair Santa Maria Maggiore with the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica for a smoother, well-organized day of sightseeing. These curated experiences streamline access and save time. Or join a walking tour that connects the basilica to nearby landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona for added context and depth.
  • Queues and access: Skip-the-line entry is included with most ticket types, limiting wait times. Some areas, especially the museum, terrace, and underground, operate with timed access to regulate flow.
  • When to book: General entry is free and doesn’t require a reservation, but paid options do. Book tickets at least 1–2 weeks in advance, and earlier in peak months, to secure preferred time slots for terrace or underground tours, which have limited capacity.
  • Good to know: Arrive 10–15 minutes early for timed experiences. Dress codes apply (shoulders and knees covered). Late arrivals may lose access, and most tickets are non-refundable.
  • Best upgrade: Choose a guided tour that takes you through the museum and up to the panoramic terrace, an experience that brings the basilica’s stories to life and lets you see Rome from a breathtaking new perspective.

Which Santa Maria Maggiore ticket is best for you?

Ticket typeLines skippedIncludesGuideWhy pick thisPrice fromRecommended experience

Skip-the-line entry (with audio guide)

✅ Ticket queues

Basilica entry + multilingual audio guide

Audio guide

Explore at your own pace with rich commentary, ideal for independent visitors.

€13.50

Skip-the-line + Audio guide

Skip-the-line entry (with museum access)

✅ Ticket queues

Basilica entry + Liberian Historical Museum

Self-guided

Great for visitors who want to dive deeper into the basilica’s history and relics.

€14

Skip-the-line + Museum

Skip-the-line entry (with museum + terrace access)

✅ Ticket queues

Basilica entry + Museum + Panoramic terrace

Self-guided

Best value for full access to special areas, including rooftop views over Rome.

€14.50

Skip-the-line + Terrace

Guided tour

✅ Ticket queues

Guided visit of the basilica + museum and/or terrace (varies by option)

Expert English or Italian guide

Perfect for understanding the art, architecture, and hidden stories with expert insight.

€15.50

Guided tour

Underground tour

✅ Ticket queues

Guided tour of the archaeological areas beneath the basilica

Expert English or Italian guide

A unique experience revealing ancient ruins, layers of history, and spaces not open to general visitors.

€15.50

Underground guided tour
The Basilica Closest to Pope Francis’ Heart

Take a guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore and discover its unique bond with Pope Francis, including the site connected to his burial and lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore facade with visitors in Rome, Italy.

Things to know before booking your Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica tickets

  • Standard entry is free, but add-ons are not: You can enter the basilica for free, but access to the audio guide, Liberian Historical Museum, and panoramic terrace requires a paid skip-the-line ticket or guided experience.
  • Museum access requires the correct ticket: The Liberian Historical Museum, including the Hall of Popes, Loggia of Blessings, and Bernini Staircase, is only included with the skip-the-line museum ticket or any ticket that specifically lists museum access. Basic skip-the-line + audio guide tickets do not include the museum.
  • Terrace access is only available with eligible tickets: Panoramic terrace entry is exclusively included in the skip-the-line museum + terrace ticket or the guided tour variant that specifies terrace access. You cannot upgrade on-site.
  • Underground areas require a dedicated tour: The archaeological zone beneath the basilica is only accessible with the underground guided tour (English or Italian). Regular skip-the-line tickets and standard guided tours do not include underground access.
  • Skip-the-line vs reserved entry: Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the general entry queue at any time within operating hours. Reserved-entry guided tours provide a fixed time slot and direct access to the guided route.
  • Skip-the-line doesn’t skip security: All visitors, including skip-the-line and guided-tour guests, must pass through security screening, which may involve a short wait during peak hours.
  • Guided tours add expert context and special access: Whether you're exploring the basilica, museum, terrace, or underground areas, guided experiences provide deeper insight into the basilica’s art, relics, and stories, including legends like the Miracle of the Snow.
  • Not suitable for everyone: The underground tour is not recommended for visitors with mobility limitations or children under 7. Terrace access also involves stairs and narrow passages.

Explore the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Plan your visit to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Frequently asked questions about Santa Maria Maggiore tickets

Do I need a ticket to enter the Basilica?

Entry to the basilica is free. However, areas like the museum, terraces, dome, or underground require specific tickets or guided tours.

What does my Santa Maria Maggiore ticket include?

Depending on the type of ticket, your visit may include basilica entry, access to the Liberian Historical Museum, the panoramic terrace, or an underground archaeological tour. Audio guides are available for self-paced exploration, while guided tours provide expert insights into art, history, and hidden areas.

Do I need a specific time slot for entry?

Most paid tickets, especially terrace or underground tours, require a timed entry. Standard skip-the-line tickets for the basilica and museum offer more flexibility but still recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early.

How will a guided tour enhance my visit?

A guided tour provides in-depth context on the basilica’s art, chapels, mosaics, and historical legends, including the Miracle of the Snow. Tours often include areas not accessible to self-guided visitors, such as the terrace, museum, or underground spaces.

Do I need separate tickets for the museum or terrace?

Yes. Museum access, terrace entry, and underground tours are separate from general basilica entry and must be booked individually or as part of a combined ticket.

Is Santa Maria Maggiore wheelchair-accessible?

The basilica’s main areas are wheelchair-accessible. Ramps are available at the main entrance. Terraces and underground tours may not be suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.

Can I cancel my Santa Maria Maggiore tickets?

Cancellation policies vary by ticket type. Check the specific policy before booking, as most paid tickets are non-refundable.

Is the Underground Guided Tour walkable for most visitors?

The underground tour is not recommended for children under 7 or visitors with mobility issues due to stairs and uneven paths.

Can I visit multiple times with a single ticket?

No. Each ticket, whether for the museum, terrace, or underground tour, is valid for one entry only. Separate tickets are needed for additional visits.