St Mary Major Basilica Tour

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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, less the cost of any tickets or transport already purchased on your behalf.

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.

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