Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour
Rome, Italy
2 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English and 1 more
Overview
One of Rome’s four major basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore was among the first churches in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Enjoy an in-depth look at this premier cultural and religious site on this guided tour that takes in its fifth-century mosaics, relic of Christ’s crib, and ancient icon of the Virgin Mary. Learn about its art and architecture while admiring the tombs of greats like St. Jerome and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
- Discover the history and art of Santa Maria Maggiore with a guide
- Admire magnificent Byzantine interiors dating from the fifth century
- See Rome’s other “Sistine Chapel”, dedicated to Pope Sixtus V
- Hear how this basilica was used as a Papal residence in the 1300s
What's Included
Pick-up
Live guide
Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people
Tips
Drop off
Departure & Return
What To Expect
Itinerary
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.
Duration: 3 hours
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Semi Private Tour
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.
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