Private Santa Maria Maggiore & Terraces Tour | Exclusive After Hours Access

Please note: For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not permitted on the terraces, and therefore, we are unable to accept bookings for guests with children under 7 years old. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Enjoy this after hours VIP private tour of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s major papal basilicas. The tour includes special access to Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 17th century spiral staircase, the Loggia with its gorgeous golden mosaics, and the grand Hall of the Popes—all after the basilica has been closed to the public.

You’ll visit the terraces with 360-degree views over the rooftops of Rome, and see the magnificent bell tower, 275 feet tall! With its golden ceilings and dazzling mosaics, Holy Door, and Holy Relics, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy this beautiful and popular church in all its majesty and mystery, without the crowds.

• Explore Santa Maria Maggiore by night with VIP access and a private guide
• Admire the Basilica’s ancient golden mosaics shining bright at twilight
• See the Loggia, Hall of Popes, & descend via Bernini’s spiral stone stairs
• Explore the terraces for spectacular views over Rome’s romantic rooftops
• End by touring the main basilica in all its majestic glory, and no crowds

As the sun sets over the Eternal City, and the crowds disperse, you’ll meet your top rated LivTours guide outside the majestic Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for your private after hours tour.

Dating back to the 5th century, Santa Maria Maggiore is renowned for its stunning golden mosaics, Holy Door, and the sacred relics of the Manger housed in a crystal reliquary beneath the altar – earning it the title, “The Bethlehem of the West.”

With private access, you’ll explore this ancient basilica like never before. Climb a grand staircase to reach the exquisite Loggia, where golden mosaics recount the 4th-century miracle of Saint Mary of the Snows. This event is still celebrated every August 4th with white rose petals cascading from the ceiling.

Your journey continues through the Hall of the Popes, showcasing historic portraits, papal vestments, and rare documents. From here, ascend to the rooftop terraces for breathtaking panoramic views of Rome’s skyline, including a close look at the city’s tallest medieval bell tower, standing at 275 feet.

You descend via Bernini’s amazing ammonite-shaped staircase, entering the glorious Nave of the Basilica, completely closed to the public at this hour. Lined with ancient biblical mosaics above the pillars, the triumphal arch, and the apse, the lingering smell of incense fills the air, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere, mysterious, holy, heavenly. Discover the tombs of several popes, the Baroque artist and architect Bernini, and Napoleon’s sister Paulina, and see where Pope Francis has planned his tomb. Glimpse the ‘other Sistine Chapel’ and marvel at the ornate gilt ceiling crafted with gold from Columbus’s expedition. Admire the majestic mosaics in the Apse, depicting Mary as Queen of Heaven.

Your private tour ends outside, under the beautifully illuminated facade of this timeless masterpiece—a perfect end to a unique tour.

• Expert Private Guide
• Special Access after public closure
• Loggia Mosaics
• Hall of the Popes
• Rooftop Terraces
• Bernini’s Staircase
• Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
• Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
• Bernini’s Tomb
• Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome

• Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
• For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not allowed on the terraces and therefore cannot join the tour.

When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience, you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people*. Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable. *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.

Make your experience even more unique by upgrading your LivTours experience. Please note: add-ons are non refundable.

By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here.