Semi-Private Santa Maria Maggiore & Terraces Tour | Exclusive After Hours Access
Group · 6 Max
1 hr
Enjoy this exclusive after hours tour of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, with VIP access to special areas. You’ll explore the Loggia on the Basilica’s facade with its beautiful golden mosaics, the Hall of the Popes, and the rooftop terraces—all after the basilica has been closed to the public.
Admire spectacular panoramic views over the Eternal City and the magnificent bell tower, the tallest in Rome, and descend via a 17th century spiral staircase crafted by the famous Baroque artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. With its Holy Door, relics of the Manger, golden ceiling, and dazzling ancient mosaics, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy this beautiful and popular church without the crowds.
- Explore Santa Maria Maggiore after hours with VIP access and expert guide
- See the Basilica’s ancient golden mosaics shimmer and shine at twilight
- Visit the Loggia and see the Hall of the Popes
- Wander the rooftop terrace for panoramic views over Rome
- Descend via Bernini’s spiral staircase and tour the spectacular nave
Semi-Private tours and experiences are guaranteed six participants max.
Our prices always include tickets and reservations fees (no waiting in lines!)
Our tour guides and staff are selected experts and speak perfect English
Easy to book and prepay your tours with our secure payment system
Eco-sustainable tourism, designed to respect and support local culture, art and traditions
As twilight falls over the Eternal City, and the crowds depart for the day, you’ll meet your top rated LivTours guide outside the majestic Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for your semi-private after hours tour
One of the most ancient churches in Rome, with parts of it dating back to the 5th century, Santa Maria Maggiore is famous for its exquisite golden mosaics. As a papal church it also has a Holy Jubilee Door. As well, the precious relics of the Manger are held in a crystal reliquary beneath the altar, leading some to call it ‘the Bethlehem of the West’.
In your small group with no more than six people, you’ll enter the now-empty basilica and start your tour with special access to parts of the church not usually visited. You’ll climb a grand staircase to visit the stunning Loggia. This adorns the original façade of the Basilica and is decorated with early 14th century mosaics. They depict the 4th-century miracle of Saint Mary of the Snows – an event still celebrated every 4th of August with masses of white rose petals falling on the congregation from the ceiling.
Walk through the Hall of the Popes with its impressive portraits, antique priestly vestments, and historic documents, up to the rooftop terraces for spectacular 360-degree views over the Roman skyline. You will also have an impressive view of the medieval bell tower, the tallest in Rome.
Then you’ll walk down the self supporting, shell-shaped staircase by Bernini made of white travertine, for a fascinating tour of the Nave. Closed to the public at this hour, the lingering smell of frankincense makes for a truly mysterious and sacred atmosphere. You will see the tombs of Napoleon’s sister Paulina Borghese and Bernini himself, as well as several popes. Admire the gilt ceiling made of gold from Columbus’s adventure to the Americas and the breathtaking mosaics on the Apse depicting Mary and Jesus.
- Top rated Expert Guide
- Special Access after public closure
- Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
- 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
LivTours’ group size of max 6 participants is and always has been based on sustainable travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry. LivTours is committed to providing travelers with truly sustainable tours with the lowest possible environmental impact, all while supporting the local industries and people of each unique destination. To learn more about how you can actively support sustainable tourism and how LivTours is contributing, click here.
All LivTours Semi-Private Group Tours are limited to 6 guests per tour guide. Our commitment to maintaining our uniquely tiny group sizes can sometimes be a little tricky, mathematically speaking. For example, we want to ensure that traveling families and friends can tour together so on rare occasions we may add one or two guests in order to not split groups. On that same note, you may also find yourself on tour with less than six people! We thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
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.
