Santa Maria Maggiore Upper Areas Open Time Skip the Line ticket
Rome, Italy
- 1 to 2 hours (approx.)
Overview
Visit the magnificent Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore at your own convenience with an open-time, skip-the-line ticket. Don't wait in line as you enjoy priority access to uncover its treasures, including the mosaic-adorned Loggia of Blessings and the serene Hall of the Popes. Flexible and hassle-free, your ticket lets you immerse yourself in the art, history, and spirituality of this iconic gem at any time during the day.
- Skip the lines and explore Santa Maria Maggiore at your own pace
- Enjoy special access to the Basilica's beautiful Upper Areas
- Marvel at medieval mosaics and panoramic views from the Loggia
- Visit the Hall of the Popes and Bernini’s elegant spiral staircase
What's Included
- SKIP THE LINE AND OPEN TIME TICKET
- SPECIAL AND PRIORITY ACCESS TO THE UPPER AREAS OF THE BASILICA
- Skip the line and enjoy a flexible visit to the upper areas of Santa Maria Maggiore!
- Open time tickets - you can go at any time during your chosen date!
- Entrance at any time during the opening hours
- ON SUNDAYS ACCESS TO THE UPPER AREAS WILL BE AVAILABLE EXACTLY ONLY AT 1:30 PM AND AT 3:00 PM.
- PICK UP, GUIDED TOUR
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, 00185 Rome Italy
What To Expect
1
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- *PLEASE SEE BELOW THE BASILICA OPENING HOURS*
- °°° Monday - Saturday : 08:00 AM - 06:30 PM °°°Sunday : 12:30 PM - 05:30 PM
- ON SUNDAYS ACCESS TO THE UPPER AREAS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLY AT TWO SPECIFIC TIMES: EXACTLY AT 1:30 PM AND EXACTLY AT 3:00 PM.
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Reviews
3.5
based on 20 reviews
Sarah_T, Mar 2026
Absolutely terrible experience. We got there 15 minutes before our scheduled time and were told we weren’t able to go because it was full/sold out. However we bought a ticket. If I knew this was possible we would have been there way earlier. We ended up just going into the basilica which is already free.
Brian_W, Nov 2025
The church entrance is free. What Viator offers is superfluous. And it’s impossible to use. I paid to see the “upstairs” but couldn’t use it because the sign that was supposed to be there was missing.
Maria_A, Oct 2025
Any time you can get “ skip the line” it is well worth it so you aren’t using your precious vacation hours waiting in line. The church was quite nice. We did not have a tour guide and did ok on our own but was worth it to see the plain and simple tomb of Pope Francis. The instructions Viator gave us to follow and get into the church were simple and easily executed
Mari_B, Oct 2025
It is entirely worth the euros to get skip the line tickets… just look for entry point for Reservations.. go thru security.. then it is also worth the euros to get Timed tickets for tours that afford you visitation to the Popes Room, Balcony and Museum… Excellent experience!!!!!
Russell_S, Sep 2025
This is NOT a ticket. This is a voucher to get a ticket somewhere in the area. As far as "skipping the line," forget it. There is a line but not as long as the line to get a ticket without the voucher. Nevertheless we were in a line for like 45 minutes to get in.
Jason_C, Aug 2025
You do not need this tour to view the amazing church. There are a few things to see on the upper level, but frankly everything you want to see is free to visitors.
Sean_S, Jun 2025
We booked tickets on Viator. We received nothing at all until after we have left the site altogether. It was only then did the WhatsApp
Messages start arriving from the tour operator. Complete waste of money. Just walk into the place for free like we did
Kristy_G, Jun 2025
Easy access to this church, which would have been an hour long line otherwise. Got to see other parts of the church we wouldn't have seen, including relics and neat spaces.
Andrew_F, Jun 2025
The Basilica is a must visit. Historical. Quite a few Popes buried inside the cathedral including Pope Francis
Roger_P, May 2025
Over the past two years, I have had several horrible experiences with Viator. Two years ago in Rome, my tour of the great Basilicas was cancelled on the day of the tour without explanation. On May 28 of this year, my tour of Santa Croce in Florence was cancelled on the day of the tour. Yesterday, I was unable to complete a tour of the Basilica of Maria Maggiore in Rome, as my paid voucher could not be converted to a ticket with a barcode! I had contacted Viator about the issue prior to the tour, but the problem was not addressed. My wife and I were allowed admission after I complained and showed the text and email showing that I had paid, but we were not given headsets or any information. The vender phone number provided went to voicemail in Italian! Useless! My wife and I should be provided with a full refund and an apology.
Emidio_D, May 2025
Feel humility and humbled seeing tomb of Pope Francis. Inspiration to all. Living life simple and the sacrifice of helping those in need.
thedunnclan, May 2025
This was a highlight of our holiday. The skip the line and upper level tour of the Basilica was very enjoyable. To see the Bernini staircase and the tomb of Pope Francis was magnificent.
Joya_t, Feb 2025
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is absolutely breathtaking! The upper galleries are stunning, and the Holy Door adds a truly special touch. Having the Open Ticket made everything so easy—no need to book, just walk in whenever I wanted. A huge thanks to the agency for the super clear and detailed info—it was so simple to follow everything without any issues! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for your review! We hope you enjoyed the rest of our beautiful city :)
See you soon!
Paolo_G, Feb 2025
Visiting the **Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore** was an unforgettable experience! The sheer beauty of the mosaics, the grandeur of the architecture, and the sense of history within its walls left me in awe. Walking through the **Holy Door** was a truly special moment—one filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep sense of peace. I feel so fortunate to have witnessed such a magnificent place of faith and history. A must-visit for anyone in Rome!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! 😊 We’re delighted to hear that the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore left such a lasting impression on you. The stunning mosaics, the rich history, and the spiritual significance truly make it a special place. Walking through the Holy Door is indeed a profound moment of reflection and peace. We're so glad you had the opportunity to experience it! We hope to welcome you back again in the future. 🙏✨
LeonardoA_R, Oct 2025
They didn't send me the Watsapp for the tickets and we couldn't get into the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore
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NoraEdith_D, Oct 2025
very well and it was very quick to get the ticket voucher as I managed it while already outside the cathedral.
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Mayerly_F, Sep 2025
We arrived very early (7:30 am) there was no line, we went up at 9 to the high areas that are not included and paid 3 euros each. However for those who go after 9 am is a good option without a line.
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Vanessa_B, Feb 2025
Sono stata alla Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore ed è pazzesca! Le aree superiori regalano una vista unica, e la Porta Santa è super suggestiva. Il top? Con l’Open Ticket entri quando vuoi, zero sbatti! 🔝✨ Super consigliata!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
E' stato un piacere conoscervi, speriamo di rivederci presto!
Buona giornata :)
Andrea_R, Feb 2025
Esperienza molto carina e resa completa da questa tipologia di ticket che permette l’accesso a molte aree della Basilica. Consiglio vivamente!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Grazie per la tua recensione! 😊 Siamo felici che tu abbia apprezzato l’esperienza e che il ticket ti abbia permesso di esplorare al meglio la Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Il tuo consiglio sarà sicuramente utile ad altri visitatori! Speriamo di rivederti presto per un’altra visita. 🙌⛪
From $20.16
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