St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground in Rome
Rome, Italy

St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground

Outty Ranking 52 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $70

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September 2026

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Adults

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$70
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground worth booking?

St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground is a 2-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $70 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
2 hours
From
$70 per person

The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has dominated Rome for sixteen centuries: a major Marian temple and cradle of artistic civilization. Located atop the Esquiline Hill, it is one of the four Papal Basilicas of Ro

What you get

  • Admission fees
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
  • Admission fees
  • Welcome and assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point in Piazza dell’Esquilino

About this experience

The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has dominated Rome for sixteen centuries: a major Marian temple and cradle of artistic civilization. Located atop the Esquiline Hill, it is one of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome. According to tradition, the Virgin inspired the construction of her home on the Esquiline. Its many treasures make Santa Maria Maggiore a place where art and spirituality come together in perfect harmony, offering visitors unique emotions. Admire the tomb of the Bernini family, the Baptistery, the Holy Door and other masterpieces. Pope Francis places his apostolic journeys under the protection of the Salus Populi Romani, which he visits before departure and upon return. During your guided tour, discover the astonishing treasures of the Basilica. The archaeological area reveals the fascinating underground world of the most important Marian shrine in the West, with rooms arranged around a vast Imperial-era hall.

What's included

Included

  • Admission fees
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
  • Admission fees
  • Welcome and assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point in Piazza dell’Esquilino

Not included

  • Transportation to/from the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major

What you'll see and do

  1. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

    The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has stood over Rome for sixteen centuries. Located atop the Esquiline Hill, it is one of the city’s four Papal Basilicas and a major Marian shrine. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary inspired its construction. Rich in treasures, the basilica unites art and spirituality, offering visitors unforgettable emotions. Admire masterpieces such as the Bernini family tomb, the Baptistery, and the Holy Door. Pope Francis entrusts his apostolic journeys to the Salus Populi Romani icon, visiting it before and after each trip. A guided tour includes the archaeological area beneath the basilica, revealing the underground world of this historic sanctuary: rooms surrounding a vast hall from the Imperial period. Along the way, you’ll find mosaics, heating cavities, roof tiles, geometric frescoes, and a unique fresco of an ancient agricultural calendar.

    120 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Rome

This voucher is not your ticket. Please exchange it at the meeting point, located at the fountain in front of the main entrance of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. You will find our Touristation staff, wearing a red T-shirt and bag, and holding an orange umbrella and/or a Touristation sign.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

This voucher is not your ticket. Please exchange it at the meeting point, located at the fountain in front of the main entrance of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. You will find our Touristation staff, wearing a red T-shirt and bag, and holding an orange umbrella and/or a Touristation sign.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
TOURISTATION

Know before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For safety reasons, this activity cannot be booked for children under the age of 7.
  • Please note that the meeting point is located right in front of the Basilica entrance, near the fountain.

Photos

Main nave of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria MaggioreSt. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground in Rome, photo 3External stairs of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria MaggioreFacade of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria MaggiorePorta SantaSt. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground in Rome, photo 7

Traveler reviews

1 verified traveler reviews for St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
1
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
Joan_F · September 2025

Long waits , so pack...

Long waits , so pack patience. Loved seeing Pope Francis tomb. The history of the church and the Roman house beneath the church. Would recommend both the church and Roman ruins underneath the church. A trip that was inspiring and educational.

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
2 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
7+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Price range
$70 to $80
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
0
Verdict
Worth a Look

Why this scores 52

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
Review evidence (18% weight)9
Booking momentum (14% weight)0
Value for money (12% weight)50
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)52
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.

How much does St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground cost?

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Prices start at $70 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 St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground 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 St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground?

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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 St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 7. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground?

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Around 0 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 St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground 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 Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing 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.

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