Rome St Mary Major Basilica: Catholic Pilgrim Tour & Holy Door
Recommended by 90% of travelers
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Rome, Italy
- 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Embark on a spiritual journey through one of Rome's most revered basilicas with this tour of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. As one of the four major papal basilicas, it holds significant importance in Catholic tradition. During Jubilee Years, pilgrims have the unique opportunity to pass through its Holy Door, a ritual symbolizing spiritual renewal and the reception of plenary indulgence. Explore the basilica's rich history, stunning mosaics, and sacred relics as your guide provides insights into its theological, symbolic, and cultural significance.
- Discover the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a major papal basilica and UNESCO World Heritage site
- Participate in the Jubilee tradition by entering through the Holy Door (available during Jubilee years)
- Gain deep insights into the basilica's history and significance from an expert guide
- Wheelchair accessibility allows all travelers to partake in this pilgrimage
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Guide gratuity
- Air-conditioned vehicleTransport to or from the tour is not included
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 33, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
By the fountain in front of the basilica. What3Words location: chemistry.ember.braked Please download WhatsApp so that we can communicate in real time in the event of any issues. Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Vw9zKV4eSWM7atx7
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 20 reviews
Linda_W, Apr 2026
This was a very comprehensive tour and we were given a lot of information and time to experience the relics and sacred spaces.
Debbie_V, Mar 2026
Wa was amazing amazing! We have been on a pilgrimage through Portugal, Spain, France , Italy. very very knowledgeable- patient- made sure we understood - talked well. one of the very best guided we have experienced ! highly recommend!!!
charleslew919, Mar 2026
Very informative and hidden messages Very cordial guide and on time and can tell you about everything in the church
Michelle_L, Jan 2026
Wen was so great! I was running a little behind but arrived before the tour began. She is clearly knowledgeable in all aspects of this tour. She was also so sweet and kind- allowing some space and time to reflect at certain parts of the tour and not overwhelming me with information like other tour guides do. She mixed history with religion and architecture, which all really enhanced the beauty of St Mary Della Nevi!
Daisy_P, Jan 2026
I didn’t meet our tour guide and we just went inside the church without the tour guide. I didn’t received any instruction the day before how to meet our guide.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We're sorry you didnt meet your guide. Our guide was at the meeting point (and met the other customers there) and tried to contact you by phone both my SMS and phoning but without any response. The guide was waiting at the meeting point 20 minutes before the tour was due to start.
Fabio_C, Dec 2025
Fantastic guide today, she was very knowledgeable. Will definitely share details with friends and family
Kimberly_R, Nov 2025
Wen is very knowledgeable and friendly. Sometimes she talks a little fast but she is a great tour guide.
Robert_S, Nov 2025
Wonderful experience with Wen as our guide, offering wonderful historical background, appreciation of both the artistic and religious significance of St. Mary Major
Basilica. Thank you.
Claire_M, Oct 2025
Fantastic tour! So rich in history and our tour guide Wen was amazing. So knowledgeable and to see Pope Francis final resting place was emotional. Such a tranquil place, even with the crowds.
Barbara_R, Oct 2025
Beautiful basilica. So much to see. Informative. Felt the first 10 minutes on the history of Rome distracts from the purpose of the tour which is the basilica itself.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks for your review. The history of Rome and why the Basilica was built in that spot, and the relationship between the Church and the Roman empire is central to the Basilica itself. It is why it was built, and why it was built in that location.
Edauwer, Oct 2025
The tour guide was filled with information and was very engaging. He answered our questions well too.
Lisa_B, Oct 2025
Our tour guide Wen was absolutely wonderful! She provided a truly meaningful and in-depth experience, sharing her extensive knowledge of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore the final resting place of Pope Francis along with the significance of the Holy Door, its rich history, and the Catholic faith. I would highly recommend this experience.
Peter_L, Jul 2025
You will learn alot about the history of the basilica from its construction to the present day. The guide really adds to the visit.
Chitru_F, Jul 2025
Tom is a superb guide who has extensive knowledge of the history of the basilica, its key milestones and the various relics and artifacts it houses. By sharing this information he left a vivid impression on us and made the tour an experience we will not forget. Thank you, Tom!
From $65.79
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Rome St Mary Major Basilica: Catholic Pilgrim Tour & Holy Door
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