Explore Santa Maria Maggiore’s mosaics, crypts, and papal history. Discover Bernini’s resting place and pay homage to Pope Francis.
Explore Santa Maria Maggiore’s mosaics, crypts, and papal history. Discover Bernini’s resting place and pay homage to Pope Francis.
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has graced Rome’s Esquiline Hill for over sixteen centuries. As a significant Marian shrine and a hub of artistic heritage, it is one of the city’s four Papal Basilicas. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary inspired its location. Inside, art and spirituality unite:…
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has graced Rome’s Esquiline Hill for over sixteen centuries. As a significant Marian shrine and a hub of artistic heritage, it is one of the city’s four Papal Basilicas. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary inspired its location. Inside, art and spirituality unite: marvel at the Bernini family tomb, the Baptistery, the Holy Door, and more. Pope Francis entrusts his journeys to the icon of Salus Populi Romani, offering prayers here before and after each trip. On a guided tour, delve into the archaeological area beneath the Basilica—Imperial-era halls, mosaics, frescoes, ancient tiles, and a unique agricultural calendar painting unveil a hidden history.

- Admission fees
- Official audioguide of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (ITA; ENG; SPA; FR; GER)
- Assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point, in front of Basilica entrance near fountain
- Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
- Admission fees
- Official audioguide of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (ITA; ENG; SPA; FR; GER)
- Assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point, in front of Basilica entrance near fountain
- Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
- Private transportation
- Guided tour of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Private transportation
- Guided tour of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has been a prominent feature of Rome for sixteen centuries, serving as a magnificent Marian temple and a hub of artistic culture. Situated atop the Esquiline Hill, it is one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas.
Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary inspired the construction of her sanctuary on the Esquiline. The…
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has been a prominent feature of Rome for sixteen centuries, serving as a magnificent Marian temple and a hub of artistic culture. Situated atop the Esquiline Hill, it is one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas.
Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary inspired the construction of her sanctuary on the Esquiline. The numerous treasures within Santa Maria Maggiore create a harmonious blend of art and spirituality.
Visitors can admire the Bernini family tomb, the Baptistery, the Holy Door, and many other masterpieces.
Learn intriguing facts about the pontiffs: Pope Francis entrusts his apostolic journeys to the protection of the Salus Populi Romani, which he typically visits before departing and upon returning.
Explore the remarkable treasures of the Basilica: a visit to the archaeological area unveils the captivating underground world of the most significant Marian shrine in the West.
- For safety reasons, this activity cannot be booked for children under the age of 7.
- Please note that the meeting point is located right in front of the Basilica entrance, near the fountain.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.