Rome: Santa Maria Maggiore Priority Entry and Audio Tour

Step inside one of Rome’s most important churches and uncover its treasures with this self-guided in-app audio tour of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, including an entrance ticket. Explore the basilica at your own pace, following expert narration directly on your smartphone as you move through one of the four Major Papal Basilicas of Rome. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in early Christian art, sacred architecture, and Roman history, as well as anyone wishing to understand the deep devotion to the Virgin Mary that shaped the Eternal City. The route begins on Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, by the Marian Column, and leads you inside the basilica through its monumental façade. Along the way, you will admire priceless fifth-century mosaics, the Cosmatesque marble floor, the gilded Renaissance ceiling, and the majestic central nave. You will explore the Sistine and Pauline Chapels, discover relics of the Holy Crib beneath the high altar, and contemplate the famous icon Salus Populi Romani. The tour concludes on Piazza dell’Esquilino, beside the ancient obelisk behind the church. Important information: the Basilica of Saint Mary Major is open daily from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Modest dress is required to enter. Some areas may have limited access during religious services or special events. A small pair of binoculars is recommended to better view the high mosaics.