Early Bird: Exclusive Tour of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and its Underground Chambers

5/5

9 reviews

EXCLUSIVE

Duration

Schedules

No schedules available

Activity

group tour

Language

No languages available

Cancellations

Read cancellation policy

From

€ -

Book now

Highlights

Enjoy the first exclusive, early-access guided tour of Saint Mary Major. Discover the legend of the August snow, admire the 5th-century mosaics, visit the museum, the Loggia, and the Hall of the Popes, and explore the underground area featuring early Christian and medieval remains.

Details

Details

What to expect

This exclusive early morning tour of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore — the most beloved church of Pope Francis — grants you privileged access to its spiritual and architectural wonders before any other guided tours begin.

With the basilica bathed in soft morning light, you’ll explore its most iconic and hidden spaces: the Loggia of Blessings, the elegant Bernini staircase, the historic Hall of the Popes, and the intimate museum collections.

Then descend into the archaeological undergrounds, where centuries of buried Christian and medieval history await — a rare experience few get to witness.

As you move through this extraordinary space in near silence, you’ll come to understand why it meant so much to Pope Francis, and why this moment feels like a true Roman privilege.

Included

  • Ticket to the Museum Areas, including the Loggia of Blessings, the Hall of the Popes, the Bernini staircase, and the museum
  • Ticket to the Archaeological Area, with access to the undergrounds (sotterranei) showcasing early Christian remains and medieval crypts
  • Early entry at 7:25 AM, approximately half an hour before all other guided tours of the Basilica - exclusive to Tourismotion
  • Guided tour conducted by a professional, licensed guide
  • Audio headsets to ensure you can hear the guide clearly at all times
  • Check-in assistance on-site, with Tourismotion staff easily recognizable by branded T-shirts and signage

Not included

  • Pick up and transfer
  • Tips

 

Know before to go

  • All visitors are required to pass through a mandatory metal detector check.

  • Children aged 0–6 are not allowed in the underground archaeological area. 

  • Infants up to 5 years old have free entry, but they must be included in the reservation.

  • A respectful dress code is required to enter the Basilica: no low necklines, skirts or shorts above the knee, and shoulders must be covered.

  • Comfortable footwear is recommended.

  • The underground area is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or those who suffer from claustrophobia. Participation in this part of the tour is optional, but the ticket price remains the same.

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Animals not allowed (just guide dogs)

Booking

See availability

1. Choose your date

2. Set your activity

3. Include people

Got any promo code?

Total
€ 0

Gallery

Reviews

Reviews

9 reviews 5/5

Showing 5-6 of 9 items.

Roy M.

Couples Tour

Unexpected Discovery in the Heart of Rome

I didn’t know this basilica was so big and full of art. The mosaics are really beautiful, and our guide explained them in a way easy to understand. The underground part was something new for me, very interesting. I joined a small group, everyone was nice and respectful. Totally worth waking up early!

November 17, 2025

Norman D.

Group tour

Calm and Relaxed Pace

A small hidden gem in Rome. Besides seeing the tomb of Pope Francis, we also discovered that here there is the tomb of Bernini. The guide was very friendly. Also since it is in the center (not far from Termini station where our hotel is), we stopped in one of the nearby cafés to have breakfast. Overall good experience

October 28, 2025

Related