Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Semi-Private Guided Tour with Museum Areas or Audio Guide Entry

5/5

9 reviews

EXCLUSIVE

Duration

1h - 1h30

Schedules

09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:30, 17:30

Activity

group tour

Language

Spanish, All available languages

Cancellations

Read cancellation policy

From

€ 15

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Highlights

Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore with a semi-private guided tour or entry with audio guide: early Christian mosaics, art treasures and the tomb of Pope Francis.

Details

Details

What to expect

Discover the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the spiritual heart of Christendom, one of the 4 Papal Basilicas of Rome and the most beloved by Pope Francis. Choose the experience that suits you best, with a guide or with an audio guide and visit the oldest Marian shrine in the Western world, also known as the "Bethlehem" of Rome, with its 1,500 years of art, history and faith.
With the entry + audio guide option, explore the heart of the Basilica at your own pace and in total autonomy. Admire the magnificent 5th-century mosaics, among the oldest in Christendom, and the venerated relic of the Sacred Crib. Discover the fascinating legend of the miraculous August snowfall that gave origin to the Basilica, and pause in the place Pope Francis chose for his eternal rest.
If you prefer a more exclusive experience, choose the semi-private guided tour with a maximum of 8 people: an expert guide will reveal all the secrets of the Basilica, including the tomb of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and will lead you into an exclusive area, the Basilica Museum, where you can admire the majestic Hall of Popes, walk along the famous Bernini Staircase and look out from the historic Loggia of the Benedictions, from which the Popes blessed the faithful.
A unique experience of sacred art, history and spirituality in the heart of Rome, choose your visit!

Included

  •  Entry + Audio Guide (if selected)
  • Semi-private guided tour with entrance ticket to the museum areas (if selected)

Not included

  • Tips
  • Pick up and mobility
  • Terrace access
  • Everything not expressly included in the description

Know before to go

  • The group tour is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties or wheelchair users: for these needs, please book a private tour.

  • All visitors must pass through security checks similar to those at airports. During peak season, waiting times at security may be up to 30 minutes.

  • Inside the Basilica, visitors are required to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, with no low necklines.

  • Large backpacks or bulky umbrellas are not permitted inside the monuments included in the tour. Please bring a small backpack or bag.

  • Children up to and including 5 years of age enter free of charge but must be included in the booking.

  • At the time of booking, the full name as it appears on the identity document or passport must be provided. It is the responsibility of the person making the booking to supply accurate details to avoid any issues at entry. In the event that one of the guests is refused entry, no refund will be issued.

  • A valid identity document or passport must be presented for verification at the entrance to the monument.

  • The start time of the experience may be subject to changes before or after the selected time, depending on the operational requirements of the monument. Any updates will be communicated via email and other available communication channels.

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible. A private tour is recommended.
  • Not recommended for people with limited mobility. A private tour is recommended.
  • Animals are not permitted (except guide dogs)

Booking

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Reviews

Reviews

9 reviews 5/5

Showing 3-4 of 9 items.

Michael S.

Solo traveler

So Peaceful Inside, Away from the Noise

Rome is always full of people, but this tour was different. At that hour the church was quiet and peaceful. The guide told us a lot of interesting history about the basilica and Bernini’s tomb. The undergrounds were small but unique. I really recommend it if you want to see something less touristic.

November 17, 2025

Maes H.

Group tour

Perfect Morning Tour Before Breakfast

We booked this because it was close to our hotel near Termini. The time was perfect, early but not too early. After the tour we had coffee and croissant in a bar just next to the church. The guide spoke slow English and was very kind. I liked especially the gold ceiling and the stories about the Virgin Mary.

November 17, 2025

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