TourTruth score 9.4 out of 10
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Rome Santa Maria Maggiore Church and Undergrounds Tour 2 hr 30 min
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Rated on 1 provider · Why
- Rome, Italy
- 2 hrs 30 min
- Updated November 2, 2026
Explore Santa Maria Maggiore’s art and underground Roman villa ruins on a private guided tour, ending with panoramic views over Rome.
About this tour
Explore one of Rome’s most remarkable churches on a private guided visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Founded in the 4th century, this landmark brings together centuries of art, history, and hidden details, from its gilded ceiling to the tomb of Bernini and the resting places of several popes.
Your professional guide will lead you through the basilica’s celebrated highlights and quieter corners, including the underground remains of an ancient Roman villa decorated with mosaics and paintings. The visit concludes on the terraces, where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama over Rome. With a private guide to bring the stories and artwork into focus, this tour offers a closer look at the church’s layers of history. Meet outside the church and discover Santa Maria Maggiore from its grand interior to its underground ruins and rooftop views.
Highlights
- Admire the basilica’s gilded ceiling and historic chapels
- Discover the tomb of Bernini and the resting places of popes
- Explore underground Roman villa ruins with mosaics and paintings
- Take in panoramic views of Rome from the basilica terraces
What's included
Included
- Tickets to the Basilica
- Professional guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
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Important information
- Meet outside the church
- Infants must sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Public transportation options are available nearby
How this score is calculated
This tour has no TourTruth score yet: Viator doesn't show a usable rating for it. It gets a score as soon as a provider lists one.
How the score works
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- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
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