Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour
At a glance
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour is a 2h small-group experience in Rome, Italy, operated by ROMAETRAVEL. Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 10 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $164.43 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people, Pick-up, Live guide.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 14 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h
- Group
- Small group, up to 14 travellers
- Languages
- English, Italian
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup or meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Although enlarged and redecorated, the basilica retains much of its original structure of the fifth century. In the years following the return of the papacy to Rome from Avignon, part of the church was used as a papal residence until the complete renovation of the Vatican palace. Admire its mosaics of the fifth century, a reliquary that is said to contain a piece of the crib that once held baby Jesus, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, the tomb of St. Jerome and the tomb of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.There is also the Sistine Chapel in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, dedicated to Pope Sixtus V.
What's included
What's included
- Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people
- Pick-up
- Live guide
Not included
- Tips
- Drop off
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 2h
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.
Meeting point
Meeting point is in front of Palazzo Naiadi hotel.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirement
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour take?
The experience lasts about 2h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $164.43 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people; Pick-up; Live guide.
Where does it start?
Meeting point is in front of Palazzo Naiadi hotel.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English, Italian.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 10 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Rome.