Small Group

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and Dome area Guided Tour

Duration

1.5 Hours

Level

Soft

Group size

Max 15

Meeting point

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore

Type

Rome

Tour Description

Discover the timeless beauty of Santa Maria Maggiore with an expert guide. Step into one of Rome’s most awe-inspiring landmarks with an expert tour guide who will bring its fascinating history to life. As the only one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas to preserve its original paleochristian structure since 432 A.D, this extraordinary site is filled with breathtaking mosaics, frescoes, and architectural wonders that tell a story spanning centuries.

With exclusive access to the Basilica’s terraces, this tour offers an unforgettable experience, giving you breathtaking panoramic views of Rome from one of its highest points, a privilege few visitors get to enjoy. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, you will learn about the miraculous origins of Santa Maria Maggiore, inspired by the legendary Miracle of the Snow, when an unexpected snowfall in August is said to have marked the spot for its construction.

Your guide will share fascinating stories about the many popes and world-renowned artists who contributed to Santa Maria Maggiore, transforming it into a masterpiece that is not only sacred but also houses artistic treasures as the The Sacred Cradle by Valadier, an exquisite silver and crystal reliquary, said to contain fragments of Jesus’ manger.

Your journey continues inside the Liberian Museum, an extraordinary area that preserves the artistic, historical, and spiritual heritage of the basilica. This area provides a deeper understanding of Santa Maria Maggiore’s significance through a collection of priceless relics, sacred artifacts, and remarkable artworks.

Walk through the Sala dei Papi, and then, admire the staircase of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest Baroque masters, who rests in a simple tomb within the basilica. In the museum’s three exhibition rooms, you will discover precious relics and masterpieces that highlight the basilica’s crucial role in Rome’s spiritual and artistic legacy like the Salus Populi Romani, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, deeply connected to the spiritual life of Rome and its popes and The Natività by Arnolfo di Cambio, the first nativity scene in history, a masterpiece that started one of the most cherished Christmas traditions.

The highlight of the tour will be the exclusive dome area, where you will make your way to one of the highest points in Rome. From this privileged spot, standing on the highest hill in the city, you will enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Rome. Your guide will point out the most important landmarks and share fascinating stories that reveal the city’s secrets and hidden gems.

This isn’t just a visit it’s a deep dive into the soul of Rome, blending history, art, and faith in one extraordinary experience. Led by an expert guide, you’ll gain insights and stories you won’t find in any guidebook. With exclusive access, stunning panoramic views, and a unique encounter with one of Rome’s most revered sites, this tour promises to be a true highlight of your time in the Eternal City.

Highlights

  • Step back in time as you explore the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
  • Enjoy exclusive access to the basilica's terraces for panoramic views
  • Learn about the miraculous origins of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
  • Discover the artistic, historical, and spiritual heritage of the basilica

Tour Detail

Duration

1.5 Hours

Meeting point

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM
Find our staff holding a light blue flag that reads ‘INSIDE OUT ITALY’ in front of the obelisk facing the Basilica
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start, punctually, at the designated meeting point.

Stops

    Inclusions

    • Expert tour guide in English
    • Exclusive access to the Basilica’s terraces and Dome area
    • Entry ticket to the Museum area

    Exclusions

    • Food and drinks
    • Transportation to/from attractions

    Good to know

    What to bring

    • Passport or ID card
    • Comfortable shoes
    • Camera

    Not allowed

    • Shorts
    • Food and drinks
    • Luggage or large bags
    • Sleeveless shirts
    • Flash photography

    Know before you go

    • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking.
    • Make sure to have knees and shoulders covered, as we will enter in a sacred area
    • Food and drinks, including water, are not permitted inside the museum areas.
    • Flash photography is not allowed inside the basilica.
    • CHILDREN UNDER 7 ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE DOME AREA

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