Step inside one of Rome’s oldest Marian sanctuaries, where early-Christian mosaics, gilded coffered ceilings, and chapels blend art and devotion into an atmosphere of timeless wonder.
Begin your visit beneath Bernini’s tomb and the Holy Cradle relic, two of the most spiritually significant elements of the basilica.
Explore spaces like the Hall of Popes and historic manuscripts (included with most standard tickets), offering a deeper look at papal tradition.
Guided tours bring the basilica’s miracles—like the summer snowfall legend—to life, with expert context on every mosaic, relic, and architectural detail.
Some tickets include access to restricted areas, such as the active archaeological site beneath the basilica or the panoramic rooftop terraces.
Beneath your steps lie 12th-century Cosmatesque floors—rare geometric masterpieces—and polished cipollino columns repurposed from ancient Roman buildings, lending early-Christian gravity to the space.
Above the altar, 5th-century mosaics on the arch narrate biblical scenes, while the Loggia mosaics depict the legendary summer snowfall—visions that unite faith and art.
Home to the revered Marian icon Salus Populi Romani—traditionally attributed to St. Luke—and a sculpted Nativity Cradle relic by Valadier, making it a key devotional focus.
Explore elaborately decorated spaces like the Sistine Chapel, Paolina Chapel (housing papal tombs and the Salus icon), and memorials including statues of Bernini and Pope Francis.
Don't miss the basilica’s 75-meter Romanesque bell tower—the tallest in Rome—rising above the ancient Esquiline Hill, a skyline landmark visible across the city.
Entry to the basilica is free. However, areas like the museum, terraces, dome, or underground require specific tickets or guided tours.
It grants reserved entry to the basilica and Liberian Museum (Hall of Popes, Loggia, Bernini Staircase) plus an audio guide in several languages.
No. The archaeological area beneath the basilica is accessible only through the Underground Guided Tour upgrade.
Skip-the-line grants flexible access throughout the day and bypasses the ticket queue, but security screening still applies.
Yes—guided tours, led by Vatican-trained experts, offer deeper historical insight, access to restricted areas, and a smoother, more context-rich experience.
Terrace or dome entry must be purchased as an add-on with select tickets at booking—cannot be added on-site.
You can cancel your Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica tickets 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund.
Note: This tour is not recommended for children under 7 or visitors with mobility issues due to stairs and uneven paths.
Early morning offers lower crowds and better lighting for mosaics. Book well in advance during events like the 5 August “Miracle of the Snows.”
Explore Rome’s oldest Marian basilica and the Liberian Museum Centre very few see, with an audio guide.
Inclusions
Access to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Access to Liberian Museum Centre
Audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and German
Access to Terraces (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line access (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Join an expert-led tour by the Basilica’s in-house art and history specialist, including exclusive museum access.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with skip-the-line entry
Access to Liberian Museum center
Art & historian expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Access to Terraces (as per option selected)
Access to Underground Archeological Area (as per option selected)
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Go beneath the Basilica into an active dig site with Roman villa ruins, Christian tombs, and a treasury, led by a guide.
Inclusions
Access to the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Guided tour of Underground Archaeological Area
English or Italian speaking guide
Exclusions
