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Offered languages
- English
Beat the crowds with exclusive early morning access to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Pope Francis' most beloved church and one of Rome's four Papal Basilicas, before it opens to the public.
Expert-guided intimate experience through the Loggia of Blessings featuring the rare mosaic of the Miracle of the Snow, the stunning Bernini Staircase, the historic Hall of the Popes, and the museum housing precious liturgical treasures, ancient manuscripts, and the world's first nativity scene.
Explore hidden underground chambers in the archaeological excavations, where a preserved Roman domus, medieval foundations, and paleochristian remains reveal 2,000 years of continuous history.
Access to restricted areas within the basilica's magnificent Baroque interior, home to the tombs of Pope Francis and Bernini, plus the legendary Holy Crib containing authentic fragments of Baby Jesus' manger.
Perfect for history lovers seeking an authentic, peaceful Rome experience in serene morning light.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our team will be waiting for you at Via Liberiana 27 (on the left side of the Basilica, at the beginning of the barriers for the entrance with reservation).
Ticket Redemption Point
Itinerary
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1
• Experience exclusive early access to the Basilica, before regular opening hours — a rare opportunity available only through Tourismotion • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the early morning, when the Basilica is at its most serene and photogenic • Discover the legend of the miraculous August snowfall that inspired the founding of the church • Learn about Pope Francis’s deep devotion to this Basilica, which he visited frequently during his papacy and where he chose to be buried after his death • Admire 5th-century mosaics and uncover symbolic details hidden in the chapel ceilings • Explore the Basilica’s lesser-known areas, including the Loggia of Blessings, the Hall of the Popes, and the museum • Descend into the underground archaeological area, where early Christian remains and medieval chapels reveal the Basilica’s ancient layers
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The underground area is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or those who suffer from claustrophobia. Participation in this part of the tour is optional, but the ticket price remains the same.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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