VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option

5.0 (31 reviews) one hour Free cancellation

out of 5

31 reviews

5.0

VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience an exclusive after-hours journey through Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's cherished papal basilicas. Enjoy rare access to areas typically closed to the public, including Bernini's spiral staircase, the Loggia with shimmering golden mosaics, the Hall of the Popes, and rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Rome's skyline and the basilica's towering 275-foot bell tower.

Inside, discover the sacred Holy Door, the revered Manger relics in a crystal reliquary beneath the altar, papal tombs, and a gilded ceiling crafted with gold from the New World. Admire breathtaking mosaics from the 5th and 14th centuries, portraying Mary as Queen of Heaven.

This intimate tour provides a rare opportunity to explore one of Rome's most iconic churches, free from crowds and illuminated in serene, nighttime splendor.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Religious Tours Excellent Quality New Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: one hour
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: LivTours

Ages: Children (7–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bernini’s Tomb
Included: Mosaics and Ceiling
Included: Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
Included: Loggia Mosaics
Included: Special Access after public closure
Included: Highlights of the Basilica
Included: Hall of the Popes
Included: Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome
Included: Sistine Chapel
Included: Bernini’s Staircase
Included: Rooftop Terraces
Included: Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
Included: Top rated Expert Guide
Included: Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
Included: Borghese Chapel

Itinerary

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

one hour Admission included

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

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

In front of the fountain beneath the “Column of Peace,” in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

End point

In front of the fountain beneath the “Column of Peace,” in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Using your ticket

Meet your guide in front of the fountain beneath the “Column of Peace” in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not for all places during the tour. There is an elevator to the Loggia level but nothing to the Terrace level. There is partial accessibility—a person in a wheelchair could visit the Basilica main level, the Loggia, and the Room of the Popes but could not access the terrace level at all. They would experience the "alone" feeling of the Basilica but would have to wait while the rest of the tour went to the terrace level.
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.
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.
The minimum number required is 2 travelers.