Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour

★ 4.6 (10 Reviews) ✅ Free Cancellation

From $163.16

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Although enlarged and redecorated, the basilica retains much of its original structure of the fifth century. In the years following the return of the papacy to Rome from Avignon, part of the church was used as a papal residence until the complete renovation of the Vatican palace. Admire its mosaics of the fifth century, a reliquary that is said to contain a piece of the crib that once held baby Jesus, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, the tomb of St. Jerome and the tomb of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.There is also the Sistine Chapel in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, dedicated to Pope Sixtus V.

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Duration2 hours

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Languagesen, it

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ConfirmationInstant

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CancellationFree Cancellation

Tour Itinerary & Stops

120 min

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a Papal major basilica and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome from which size it receives the appellation "major". Among the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, St. Mary Major is the only one to have kept its original structure, though it has been enhanced over the course of years. The basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary as the help and protectress of the Roman people, which was granted a Canonical coronation by Pope Gregory XVI on 15 August 1838 accompanied by his Papal bull Cælestis Regina.

What's Included

✅ Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people
✅ Pick-up
✅ Live guide

What's Excluded

❌ Tips
❌ Drop off

Important Information & Guidelines

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirement

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviewed and Curated by

Robson Calefi Caitano

Robson is the technical heart and strategic mind behind Top Things Rome. With a post-graduate degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Events, he brings academic depth to every guide we publish. His journey in web management dates back to 1999, allowing him to combine digital expertise with a rigorous editorial standard. Robson’s mission is to transform specialized knowledge into reliable, high-quality information, ensuring that every traveler can plan their itineraries with absolute certainty and safety.