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Activities in Rome

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Early Access Tour

Can you imagine visiting one of Rome's most iconic churches without the crowds? With this unique experience, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore before it opens its doors to the general public. Peace and quiet are assured!

Can you imagine visiting one of Rome's most iconic churches without the crowds? With this unique experience, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore before it opens its doors to the general public. Peace and quiet are assured!

Tour Details

We'll meet at the indicated time at number 27 of Via Liberiana, right to the left of the basilica. There, we'll be waiting for you at the entrance to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to be the first visitors of the day to discover what's hidden behind its walls. How exciting!

Over the course of an hour and 20 minutes, we'll walk through the interior of the temple as the first rays of sunlight illuminate it, revealing the beauty of its most iconic corners, as well as its most hidden ones. You'll fall in love with this magnificent basilica!

Once inside the basilica, we'll discover the legend of the Miracle of the Snow, an event that inspired its foundation, and we'll admire the 5th-century mosaics that adorn the chapels.

As well as that, we'll admire the fascinating symbolic details hidden in the ceilings and explore normally lesser-known areas, such as the Loggia of Blessings and the Hall of the Popes.

Our tour will continue as we descend into the underground archaeological area, where the remains of Christian antiquity and medieval chapels reveal the oldest layers of its history—an experience that few are lucky enough to witness!

Pope Francis' Tomb

During the tour, we'll have the opportunity to see the final resting place of Pope Francis. The pontiff expressed his wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore because of his deep devotion to the Virgin Salus Populi Romani. Did you know that he is the first Pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican? For this reason, his tomb in this basilica has become a new pilgrimage point in Rome.

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More Information

Duration

1h 20m.

Language The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

Early admission to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

English–speaking guide

When to book?

You can book up until 1 hour before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Tourismotion Roma Corporate name: NAFASP SLU Registered Office: Calle Chipude, 24 , San Isidro Granadilla de Abona , Spain Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): B76590405 Contact information Email: info@tourismotion.com Phone: +39 347 821 7777 This supplier is commited to providing services in accordance with applicable European Union laws.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

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