Early Bird: Exclusive Tour of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and its Underground Chambers

5/5

9 reviews

EXCLUSIVE

Duration

1h20

Schedules

07:25

Activity

group tour

Language

English

Cancellations

Read cancellation policy

From

€ 39

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Highlights

Enjoy exclusive early access to Santa Maria Maggiore. Discover the legend of the August snowfall, admire 5th-century mosaics, visit the museum, Loggia, and Hall of the Popes, and explore the underground area with early Christian and medieval remains.

Details

Details

What to expect

This exclusive early morning tour of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore — the most beloved church of Pope Francis — grants you privileged access to its spiritual and architectural wonders before it opens to the public.

With the basilica bathed in soft morning light, you’ll explore its most iconic and hidden spaces: the Loggia of Blessings, the elegant Bernini staircase, the historic Hall of the Popes, and the intimate museum collections.

Then descend into the archaeological undergrounds, where centuries of buried Christian and medieval history await — a rare experience few get to witness.

As you move through this extraordinary space in near silence, you’ll come to understand why it meant so much to Pope Francis, and why this moment feels like a true Roman privilege.

Included

  • Ticket to the Museum Areas, including the Loggia of Blessings, the Hall of the Popes, the Bernini staircase, and the museum
  • Ticket to the Archaeological Area, with access to the undergrounds (sotterranei) showcasing early Christian remains and medieval crypts
  • Exclusive entry at 7:30 AM, before regular opening hours — exclusive by Tourismotion
  • Guided tour conducted by a professional, licensed guide
  • Audio headsets to ensure you can hear the guide clearly at all times
  • Check-in assistance on-site, with Tourismotion staff easily recognizable by branded T-shirts and signage

Not included

  • Pick up and transfer
  • Tips

 

Know before to go

  • All visitors are required to pass through a mandatory metal detector check.

  • Children aged 0–6 are not allowed in the underground archaeological area. 

  • A respectful dress code is required to enter the Basilica: no low necklines, skirts or shorts above the knee, and shoulders must be covered.

  • Comfortable footwear is recommended.

  • 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.

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Animals not allowed (just guide dogs)

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Reviews

Reviews

9 reviews 5/5

Showing 3-4 of 9 items.

Michael S.

Solo traveler

So Peaceful Inside, Away from the Noise

Rome is always full of people, but this tour was different. At that hour the church was quiet and peaceful. The guide told us a lot of interesting history about the basilica and Bernini’s tomb. The undergrounds were small but unique. I really recommend it if you want to see something less touristic.

November 17, 2025

Maes H.

Group tour

Perfect Morning Tour Before Breakfast

We booked this because it was close to our hotel near Termini. The time was perfect, early but not too early. After the tour we had coffee and croissant in a bar just next to the church. The guide spoke slow English and was very kind. I liked especially the gold ceiling and the stories about the Virgin Mary.

November 17, 2025

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