St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground
Overview
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has dominated Rome for sixteen centuries: a major Marian temple and cradle of artistic civilization. Located atop the Esquiline Hill, it is one of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome.
According to tradition, the Virgin inspired the construction of her home on the Esquiline. Its many treasures make Santa Maria Maggiore a place where art and spirituality come together in perfect harmony, offering visitors unique emotions.
Admire the tomb of the Bernini family, the Baptistery, the Holy Door and other masterpieces.
Pope Francis places his apostolic journeys under the protection of the Salus Populi Romani, which he visits before departure and upon return.
During your guided tour, discover the astonishing treasures of the Basilica. The archaeological area reveals the fascinating underground world of the most important Marian shrine in the West, with rooms arranged around a vast Imperial-era hall.
What's Included
- Access to the Dome of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Access to the Archaeological Area beneath the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
- Guided tour of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Welcome and assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point in Piazza dell’Esquilino
- Transportation to/from the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
Meeting Location
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
Roma RM, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For safety reasons, this activity cannot be booked for children under the age of 7.
- Please note that the meeting point is located right in front of the Basilica entrance, near the fountain.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 500 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-41353P160
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Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Access to the Dome of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
- Access to the Archaeological Area beneath the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
- Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance).
- Guided tour of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
- Welcome and assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point in Piazza dell’Esquilino.
- Transportation to/from the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The minimum age to participate is 7..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for St. Mary’s Basilica: Pope Francis Tomb, Dome & Underground will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Access to the Dome of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Access to the Archaeological Area beneath the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
- Guided tour of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Welcome and assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point in Piazza dell’Esquilino
- Transportation to/from the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For safety reasons, this activity cannot be booked for children under the age of 7.
- Please note that the meeting point is located right in front of the Basilica entrance, near the fountain.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 500 travelers
