St Mary Major Basilica Tour
Explore one of Rome’s four Major Basilicas on this St Mary Major Basilica Tour with an expert Catholic guide. During this approximately one-hour visit, discover the basilica’s ancient Christian history, sacred relics, spectacular mosaics and the revered icon of Our Lady traditionally painted by St Luke.
One of Rome’s Four Major Basilicas
St Mary Major, known in Italian as Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of Rome’s four papal Major Basilicas and an essential destination for Catholic pilgrims. The present basilica was built in the fifth century following the Council of Ephesus, which solemnly affirmed the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.
Your guide explains the basilica’s ancient origins, its dedication to Our Lady and the tradition of the miraculous August snowfall commemorated each year on the Feast of the Dedication of St Mary Major.
Ancient Mosaics and the Golden Ceiling
Inside, admire the monumental nave, early Christian mosaics and richly decorated apse. Your Catholic guide reveals the scriptural meaning within the mosaics and explains how the basilica’s architecture and sacred art proclaim the mystery of Christ and the dignity of His Blessed Mother.
You will also see the celebrated golden ceiling and learn how the basilica developed through centuries of papal patronage while preserving the character of an ancient Roman church.
An Icon Painted by St Luke
Visit the revered icon of Our Lady traditionally painted by St Luke the Evangelist, known as the Salus Populi Romani. Your guide explains its importance to the people of Rome and its long association with prayer, processions and deliverance in times of danger.
Relics of the Holy Crib
Beneath the papal altar, visit the confessio containing relics traditionally identified as wood from the Holy Crib in which the infant Christ was laid. The basilica’s profound connection with the Nativity has led it to be called the “Bethlehem of the West”.
The tour also introduces other important features and burials, including the relics of Pope St Pius V and the simple grave of the great Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Holy Door and Jubilee 2033
St Mary Major contains one of the Holy Doors of Rome’s four Major Basilicas. Its Holy Door closed on 25 December 2025 following the Jubilee Year, but remains visible to visitors. It is expected to reopen for the Jubilee of Redemption in 2033.
Continue Your Catholic Pilgrimage through Rome
This standalone visit forms part of our longer Via Crucis – Relics of Christ Tour. To visit Rome’s other papal basilicas, explore our 4 Major Basilicas tours and pilgrimage packages. For further individual experiences, browse our Catholic Tours.
Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.
| MEETING POINT | The fountain beneath the Column of Peace, in front of the entrance to St Mary Major Basilica (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore). See the precise location on Google Maps or What3Words. | ||||
| FINISHING LOCATION | St Mary Major Basilica. | ||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | 8.45am Monday to Friday 1.15pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | ||||
| DURATION | Approximately 1 hour | ||||
| DRESS CODE | Clothing covering shoulders and knees | ||||
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Read the Catholic pilgrim’s guide to the four Major Basilicas
Understand how the four churches belong together in the Catholic life of Rome with the Crucis guide to the four Major Basilicas of Rome.
Additional information
| Ticket Type | Adult (16+), Student ID, Child (under 16) |
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Exterior and Holy Door
Meet your Catholic guide outside St Mary Major and learn about the basilica’s ancient origins, its dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the tradition of the miraculous August snowfall. See the Holy Door, now closed following the Jubilee Year of 2025.
Ancient Nave and Mosaics
Enter the basilica to admire its monumental nave, golden ceiling and remarkable early Christian mosaics. Your guide explains the scriptural and theological meaning expressed through its art and architecture.
Icon Painted by St Luke
Visit the revered icon of Our Lady traditionally painted by St Luke the Evangelist. Learn about its importance to Rome and the centuries of Catholic devotion associated with it.
Chapels and Pope St Pius V
Explore the basilica’s great chapels and see the relics of Pope St Pius V. Your guide explains their artistic, historical and devotional significance.
Relics of the Holy Crib
Descend towards the confessio to venerate the relics traditionally identified as wood from the Holy Crib in which the infant Christ was laid.
Bernini’s Grave
Visit the simple grave of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and learn about the great Catholic artist’s enduring influence upon the churches and cityscape of Rome.
The fountain under the great column of Mary in front of the entrance of St Mary Major (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore).
See the precise location on Google Maps or What3Words.
Tour Reviews
When we first walked into this Basilica we were speechless by the gold and beauty of this amazing Basilica. Our guide explained the different names and role of the Basilica but linked it to our faith too. We had our teenage daughters with us and they were fascinated with the guides explanations of salvation history and scripture via the artwork and architecture. I wasnt expecting the tour to be so spiritual but I am so glad it was. Our guide was amazing and this tour was just the right amount of time even though it left us wanting to take other tours extra.
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