Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore + Museum Ticket
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USD 8.58
Discover one of Rome's four great papal basilicas in depth with the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Museum Ticket — going far beyond the free public access areas to explore the magnificent museum complex, the Loggia of Blessings, the Hall of Popes, Bernini's staircase, and the ancient archaeological area beneath the basilica. One of the oldest and most richly decorated churches in Christendom, Santa Maria Maggiore rewards those who look deeper, and the museum ticket unlocks the most extraordinary and rarely seen parts of this remarkable sacred site.
Key Highlights
- Admire stunning 5th-century Byzantine mosaics — some of the oldest and finest early Christian mosaics in the world, covering the nave walls and triumphal arch
- Explore the Loggia of Blessings with panoramic views over Rome and access to the remarkable mosaics of the 13th-century upper facade
- Discover the Hall of Popes and the Liberian Historical Museum with papal treasures, sacred relics, and centuries of religious history
- Descend into the ancient archaeological area beneath the basilica — remains of Roman-era structures preserved under one of Rome's oldest churches
- Visit the final resting place of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and pay respects at the tomb of Pope Francis
About Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore + Museum Ticket
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is Rome's oldest and largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome, ranking alongside St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Entry to the basilica itself is free, but the Museum Ticket unlocks a significantly richer experience, granting access to the Liberian Historical Museum complex that most visitors never see.
The basilica's interior is extraordinary in its own right — the nave is flanked by 36 ancient marble columns, the gilded coffered ceiling is reputedly decorated with the first gold brought from the Americas by Christopher Columbus, and the 5th-century Byzantine mosaics on the nave walls and triumphal arch are among the oldest and most vivid examples of early Christian art in existence. The Pauline Chapel (Borghese Chapel) and Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with Michelangelo's famous chapel in the Vatican) flank the nave as grand Baroque mausolea, housing the tombs of Pope Clement VIII and Pope Paul V, respectively. The Crypt of the Nativity beneath the main altar is said to preserve fragments of the manger from Bethlehem, making it one of the most spiritually significant sites in Roman Catholicism.
The Museum Ticket adds the Liberian Historical Museum complex — accessible via the 18th-century Bernini staircase — including the Loggia of Blessings, where the remarkable 13th-century upper facade mosaics by Filippo Rusuti can be seen up close, the Hall of Popes with its collection of papal portraits, vestments, and sacred treasures, and the panoramic terrace with sweeping views across Rome's rooftops toward the Colosseum and the distant hills. The archaeological area descends beneath the basilica to reveal Roman-era structures and foundations that predate the church — one of the most unexpected and quietly fascinating underground discoveries in the city. The basilica is also the final resting place of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, buried in a simple tomb in the right transept, and since 2025, of Pope Francis, whose tomb in the Pauline Chapel has drawn an extraordinary wave of pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Book your Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Museum ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 13%.
The basilica's interior is extraordinary in its own right — the nave is flanked by 36 ancient marble columns, the gilded coffered ceiling is reputedly decorated with the first gold brought from the Americas by Christopher Columbus, and the 5th-century Byzantine mosaics on the nave walls and triumphal arch are among the oldest and most vivid examples of early Christian art in existence. The Pauline Chapel (Borghese Chapel) and Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with Michelangelo's famous chapel in the Vatican) flank the nave as grand Baroque mausolea, housing the tombs of Pope Clement VIII and Pope Paul V, respectively. The Crypt of the Nativity beneath the main altar is said to preserve fragments of the manger from Bethlehem, making it one of the most spiritually significant sites in Roman Catholicism.
The Museum Ticket adds the Liberian Historical Museum complex — accessible via the 18th-century Bernini staircase — including the Loggia of Blessings, where the remarkable 13th-century upper facade mosaics by Filippo Rusuti can be seen up close, the Hall of Popes with its collection of papal portraits, vestments, and sacred treasures, and the panoramic terrace with sweeping views across Rome's rooftops toward the Colosseum and the distant hills. The archaeological area descends beneath the basilica to reveal Roman-era structures and foundations that predate the church — one of the most unexpected and quietly fascinating underground discoveries in the city. The basilica is also the final resting place of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, buried in a simple tomb in the right transept, and since 2025, of Pope Francis, whose tomb in the Pauline Chapel has drawn an extraordinary wave of pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Book your Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Museum ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 13%.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Liberian Historical Museum complex
- Access to the panoramic terrace with views across Rome
- Access to the archaeological area beneath the basilica
- Audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish, or German
- Lift access to the upper museum levels is included
Exclusions
- Food and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Transport
Insiders' Tips
Arrive early on a weekday morning — the basilica has become significantly busier since the burial of Pope Francis in 2025 and queues at security can be long later in the day. The Loggia of Blessings is the single most underrated highlight — standing at close range with the 13th-century Rusuti mosaics of the upper facade is an extraordinary experience that very few visitors to Rome ever have.
Additional Information
Operating Hours
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Children under 6 years can enter free of charge.
- Required to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside the basilica.
- Some areas may be restricted during liturgical celebrations.
- Students aged 25 or younger with a valid ID are also eligible for a reduced ticket.
Cancellation Policy
- No Cancellation and Non-refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome?
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is Rome's oldest and largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the city's four major papal basilicas, renowned for its extraordinary 5th-century Byzantine mosaics, gilded coffered ceiling, and Baroque papal chapels. Entry to the basilica is free for all visitors, while the Museum Ticket provides access to the Loggia of Blessings, Hall of Popes, panoramic terrace, and archaeological area.
What does the Museum Ticket include at Santa Maria Maggiore?
The Museum Ticket grants access to the Liberian Historical Museum complex, including the Loggia of Blessings with the 13th-century Rusuti mosaics, the Hall of Popes with papal portraits and vestments, the panoramic terrace with views across Rome, and the archaeological area beneath the basilica revealing ancient Roman-era structures. Lift access and an audio guide in 5 languages are also included.
Is Pope Francis buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore?
Yes, Pope Francis is buried in the Pauline Chapel of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, making it a significant pilgrimage destination since 2025. No special ticket is required to visit the tomb, as it is located within the free-entry basilica — though visitor numbers have increased significantly and security queues can be long.
What are the 5th-century mosaics at Santa Maria Maggiore?
The nave mosaics at Santa Maria Maggiore are among the oldest and most significant early Christian artworks in existence, dating to the 5th century AD and depicting scenes from the Old Testament with a vividness and detail that has survived remarkably intact for over 1,500 years. The triumphal arch mosaics and the apse mosaic by Jacopo Torriti (1295) are equally extraordinary.
What is the Loggia of Blessings at Santa Maria Maggiore?
The Loggia of Blessings is the upper gallery of the basilica's facade, accessible with the Museum Ticket, where 13th-century mosaics by Filippo Rusuti can be seen up close. It is one of the most rarely visited and genuinely surprising highlights of any Santa Maria Maggiore visit, offering both exceptional art and panoramic views over the surrounding neighbourhood.
Who is buried at Santa Maria Maggiore besides Pope Francis?
The basilica is the final resting place of Gian Lorenzo Bernini — one of the greatest artists and architects of the Baroque period — buried in a simple tomb in the right transept. Multiple popes are also entombed here, including Clement VIII and Paul V in the flanking Baroque chapels, and Pius IX and Pius V in the Sistine Chapel of the basilica.
What is the archaeological area beneath Santa Maria Maggiore?
The archaeological area beneath the basilica consists of Roman-era structures and foundations that predate the church, preserved in the underground level and accessible with the Museum Ticket. It is one of the least-visited underground archaeological spaces in Rome and provides a fascinating glimpse into the layers of civilisation buried beneath one of the city's most celebrated churches.
What is the dress code for visiting Santa Maria Maggiore?
As an active place of worship and one of Rome's four papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore strictly enforces a dress code requiring all visitors to have shoulders and knees covered. Bare shoulders, sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are not permitted inside the basilica or the museum complex, and visitors who do not comply will be refused entry at the security screening point.
How has visitor numbers at Santa Maria Maggiore changed since the burial of Pope Francis?
Since the burial of Pope Francis in the Pauline Chapel in 2025, visitor numbers at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore have increased very significantly, with security queues regularly forming outside the main entrance particularly on weekends and public holidays. Arriving early on a weekday morning is strongly recommended, and advance booking of the Museum Ticket through Thrillark is advisable to avoid uncertainty at the ticket desk on busy days.
Do I need to book Santa Maria Maggiore Museum tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, particularly since visitor numbers have increased significantly following the burial of Pope Francis. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 13% on the standard rate with instant confirmation, and the Museum Ticket covers the Loggia, Hall of Popes, terrace, and archaeological area that are not accessible with the free basilica entry.
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