Discover the grandeur of Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on this semi-private tour. Guests can explore the captivating 5th-century mosaics, a relic of baby Jesus’ crib, and the Sistine Chapel dedicated to Pope Sixtus V. With convenient hotel pickup and free cancellation, this flexible experience allows visitors to enjoy the basilica’s rich history and stunning architecture. What secrets might this UNESCO World Heritage site hold? Uncover them on this comprehensive tour.

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Key Points

A 2-hour guided tour exploring the 5th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, including its mosaics, relics, and architectural highlights.
Tour priced at $218.45 per person, available in English and Italian, with hotel pickup included for guests within the Aurelian Walls.
Tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and can be booked without upfront payment.
Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, tombs of St. Jerome and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and a reliquary containing a piece of the crib of baby Jesus.
Tour recommended for its excellent value and suitability for most travelers, with a 5-star rating based on customer feedback.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore provides visitors a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of this iconic Roman landmark.

Priced from $218.45 per person, the semi-private tour is offered in both English and Italian. Hotel pickup is included for those staying within the Aurelian Walls.

Guests can discover the basilica’s 5th-century mosaics, a relic containing a piece of the crib of baby Jesus, the Sistine Chapel, and the tombs of St. Jerome and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Discover the basilica’s 5th-century mosaics, a relic of the crib of baby Jesus, the Sistine Chapel, and the tombs of St. Jerome and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour offers flexibility for travelers.

Looking for more options in Rome? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking Information

How can travelers book this tour?

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore tour without any upfront payment. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Hotel pickup within the Aurelian Walls is included. Travelers can check availability and select their preferred starting time.

This semi-private tour is available in English and Italian, lasting approximately 2 hours. Payment is due upon arrival.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, as the tour may involve some walking. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Highlights

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore tour offers visitors a chance to explore the 5th-century mosaics that adorn the interior of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll visit the reliquary containing a piece of the crib of baby Jesus, marvel at the Sistine Chapel dedicated to Pope Sixtus V, and discover the tombs of St. Jerome and artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

| Highlights | | |

| — | — | — |

| 5th-century mosaics | Reliquary with crib of baby Jesus | Sistine Chapel |

| Tombs of St. Jerome and Bernini | | |

This tour provides an immersive experience into the rich history and architecture of one of Rome’s most iconic basilicas.

Basilica Details

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a UNESCO World Heritage site that retains much of its original 5th-century structure.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves much of its 5th-century architectural heritage.

It has a rich history:

Used as a papal residence after the return from Avignon
Features an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary
Boasts magnificent 5th-century mosaics
Contains a reliquary with a piece of the crib of baby Jesus
Includes the Sistine Chapel dedicated to Pope Sixtus V

This historic basilica offers visitors a glimpse into Rome’s past and the enduring legacy of Catholic faith and art.

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Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore tour includes a live guide, hotel drop-off, and covers all gratuities.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes. Sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed.

The tour provides an in-depth exploration of the 5th-century mosaics, the reliquary containing a piece of the crib of baby Jesus, the Sistine Chapel, and the tombs of St. Jerome and artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

With a duration of 2 hours and available in English and Italian, this semi-private tour offers a comprehensive experience of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

There's plenty more to explore in Rome

Customer Feedback

According to the customer feedback, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

The ratings for the guide, transportation, and value for money were all 4 out of 5.

Highlights from the reviews include:

"A place full of surprise" (Thierry, August 2019)
High praise for the knowledgeable guide
Appreciation for the included hotel drop-off
Commentary on the tour’s excellent value
Recommendation for the tour’s suitability for most travelers

Exploring the Basilica

What makes the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore so captivating? For starters, the 5th-century mosaics adorning its walls are simply breathtaking. Visitors can marvel at these stunning artworks that have endured for centuries.

The basilica also houses a reliquary containing a piece of the crib of baby Jesus, adding to its spiritual significance. The Sistine Chapel dedicated to Pope Sixtus V is another highlight, as are the tombs of St. Jerome and artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the basilica retains much of its original structure, offering a glimpse into the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash. Check with the tour guide for any specific rules or restrictions during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s a dress code for the tour – no sleeveless shirts are allowed. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the sacred nature of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring the Basilica Independently?

The tour includes 2 hours of guided exploration of the basilica. There’s no specific time allotted for independent exploration, but visitors can likely take some extra time to explore the site on their own after the guided portion.

Are Children’s Tickets Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer children’s tickets. It’s a semi-private tour meant for adults, and children under 18 aren’t allowed. The tour duration is 2 hours, with no independent exploration time provided.

Is the Tour Content Suitable for People With Hearing or Visual Impairments?

The tour doesn’t appear well-suited for those with hearing or visual impairments. It doesn’t mention accommodations for these needs, and the description suggests it’s primarily a walking tour focused on visual details like mosaics and architecture.

The Sum Up

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Visitors can marvel at the stunning 5th-century mosaics, venerate the relic of baby Jesus’ crib, and explore the Sistine Chapel dedicated to Pope Sixtus V. With convenient hotel pickup and flexible cancellation, this semi-private tour provides an immersive and memorable experience at this UNESCO World Heritage site.