
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour worth booking?
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour is a 2-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from €100 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (10)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- €100 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people
- Pick-up
- Live guide
Not included
- Tips
- Drop off
What you'll see and do
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
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.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Meeting point is in front of Palazzo Naiadi hotel.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Meeting point is in front of Palazzo Naiadi hotel.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ROMAETRAVEL
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Basilica of Santa Maria
The church is a must see. From the Popes buried there, to the history on the walls, including the New and Old Testament s depicted in the paintings. Boromini is buried also at this church. Christianity has built this church over several centuries. Our guide said it was a church of the people, which is why some Popes have decided to be buried inside. This is one you really don't want to miss. The day we went in January was cold and rainy. Make sure you are dressed warmly, if the church is heated I could not tell. To me it was very cold. Pay attention to the side Chapel, one has cherub and Angels in black marble, not the usual white. According to our guide, she indicated this was done to enhance the gold decorations, of which this church has everywhere.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review! We're glad you enjoyed the beautiful Basilica.
via Viator
Sancta Magiori
For those who have faith... our Mother Major. Fantastic, beautiful basilica, with wonderful works. Worth every second... for Catholics eh possible to confess.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Two hour tour took 40 minutes. The basilica deserved a little more.
The description was a 2 hour small group tour with hotel pickup. The guide left after 40 minutes. Hotel pickup was great and fortunately the car stayed till the guide showed up. It was extremely hot curtailing what could be discussed outdoors.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry that the experience did not fully meet your expectations. We carefully review every comment, as it helps us improve our organization and the quality of our services. Kind regards, The RomaeTravel Team
via Viator
Taha Boutorabi
Very nice building; I wish we had this sort of building in Australia. Recommend visiting this place
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted that you enjoyed your experience with us. Your feedback means a lot to our team, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future! Warm regards, The RomaeTravel Team
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful church
Luisa was very sweet and patient explaining every step of our tour. A true gem this church and nice location to get a bite afterwards.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted that you enjoyed your experience with us. Your feedback means a lot to our team, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future! Warm regards, The RomaeTravel Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €100 to €144
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by ROMAETRAVEL, who run 58 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.4.
See everything ROMAETRAVEL runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour cost?
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Prices start at €100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour?
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Included: Small group limited to a maximum of 14 people; Pick-up; and Live guide. Not included: Tips; and Drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 6 listed pickup locations in and around Rome. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour.
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