Santa Maria Maggiore Museum Terraces and Underground Rome Tour

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2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: German and 5 more

Discover the Museum of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a unique journey through art, faith, and centuries of Roman history. The Standard Museum Ticket gives access to an extraordinary collection of sacred art and papal treasures, including the Hall of the Popes, the Loggia of Blessings, Bernini’s works, and the Crypt of the Nativity, supported by a multilingual audio guide.

Upgrade your visit with the Panoramic Terraces, offering breathtaking 360° views over Rome’s skyline. This experience includes museum access plus accompanied entry to the terraces for one of the city’s most stunning viewpoints.

Go deeper with the Underground Experience, an official guided tour beneath the basilica. Explore Roman Imperial-era remains, ancient baths, centuries-old frescoes, and a rare agricultural calendar fresco that reveals daily life in ancient Rome.

Three options, one iconic site—choose your ideal way to experience Santa Maria Maggiore.

What's Included

Reserved entrance for pre-booked visitors
Entry to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Access to special areas normally closed to the public
Audio headset during the Underground Experience (Underground option)
Accompanied visit to the 360° Panoramic Terraces (Terraces option)
Entry to the Sala dei Papi
Entry to the Loggia delle Benedizioni
Official guided Underground Experience (Underground option)
Entry to the Museo Liberiano
Audioguide for Santa Maria Maggiore
Entry to the Scala del Bernini
Meeting point to redeem the tickets
Children under 7 years old are not permitted to participate (FOR UNDERGROUND AND TERRACE OPTIONS)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

There is no meeting point. You will receive your voucher before the visit. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time at the PORTICO, the reserved entrance for pre-booked visitors at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, and present your voucher to the reception staff.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    On the day of your visit, please make your way to the entrance of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00185 Rome. Present your booking voucher, either printed or on your smartphone/tablet, to the staff at the Portico reception desk at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. Guests with a valid reservation will benefit from access through the dedicated entrance reserved for booked visitors.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

    Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome. Located on the Esquiline Hill, it preserves an extraordinary artistic and religious heritage, including early Christian mosaics, Renaissance and Baroque chapels and significant relics linked to Catholic tradition. Choose between the Museum Areas, breathtaking 360° Terraces, or a guided Underground Experience

    2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Headphones – please bring your own to use with your phone (FOR THE AUDIOGUIDE OPTION)
Supplied by Golden Ticket

Tags

Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Skip the line Tickets
Attractions & Museums
Religious Tours
Religious Sites
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

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

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