Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Underground Guided Tour

About this experience

Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore Underground Guided Tour This 50-minute guided tour takes you beneath one of Rome's four papal basilicas to explore archaeological layers dating back to Roman times. You'll descend into underground passageways to see ancient Roman house foundations and remnants from the original 4th-century basilica, then visit the Treasury Room to view sacred relics normally kept from public view. Your expert guide reveals the religious and architectural history that shaped this sacred site, from early Christian traditions through medieval developments. Above ground, you'll examine the basilica's renowned mosaics depicting stories from Christian tradition and learn about the High Altar's relic believed to be from the infant Jesus's crib. This Rome guided tour offers rare access to areas most visitors never see. What is Included 50-minute guided tour with expert commentary Skip-the-line access to the basilica Underground archaeological site visit Treasury Room access to view sacred relics Guided exploration of mosaics and High Altar Good to Know The tour lasts 50 minutes and starts at the Portico entrance of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time for check-in. Children under 7 years cannot participate, and those under 18 require adult supervision. Dress modestly for this religious site - sleeveless shirts, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not permitted. From January 2025, bags and luggage are prohibited on the reserved entry line. No food or drink is allowed inside the basilica premises. The tour is not suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties as it involves descending to underground levels. Reservations can be changed up to 24 hours before your tour time, but participant numbers cannot be modified. For more underground Rome experiences, consider the San Clemente Basilica Underground Tour to explore a 12th-century church built over a 4th-century basilica and ancient Mithraic temple. You might also enjoy the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour to see more of Rome's religious artistic treasures.

Highlights

• Descend beneath one of Rome's four great papal basilicas
• See ancient Roman house foundations in underground passageways
• View remnants of the original 4th-century basilica below ground
• Access the Treasury Room and sacred relics kept from public view
• Expert-guided 50-minute tour revealing centuries of layered history

What is included

• Expert guide throughout the 50-minute tour
• Access to underground passageways
• Visit to ancient Roman house foundations
• View of original 4th-century basilica remnants
• Entry to the Treasury Room and sacred relics

Before you go

Please bring your booking voucher, either on your phone or printed. ID or student card is required if using a discounted ticket. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven surfaces underground. Modest dress is necessary; sleeveless tops, shorts and miniskirts are not allowed. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time to ensure on-time check-in.

Cancellation terms

Cannot be canceled or rescheduled