Santa Maria Maggiore Upper Areas Open Time Skip the Line ticket
Description
Visit the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore at your convenience according to the opening hours without waiting in line, with our flexible and priority skip-the-line and open-time ticket which includes the special access to the Upper Areas of the Basilica. While you may be asked to select a specific time slot during booking, you are free to visit the Basilica at any time on your chosen date — before or after the chosen time during reservation, or whenever it suits you during the day! PLEASE SEE BELOW THE BASILICA OPENING HOURS: °Monday - Saturday : 08:00AM-06:30PM °Sundays: 12:30PM-05:30PM (The Basilica will be open in the morning for the Holy Mass, and access during the service is free) WE KINDLY REMIND YOU THAT ON SUNDAYS ACCESS TO THE UPPER AREAS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLY AT TWO SPECIFIC TIMES: EXACTLY AT 1:30 PM AND AT 3:00 PM. Please arrive at the desk at least 10 minutes before 1.30 pm or 3.30 pm to collect your tickets for access to the upper areas of the Basilica.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the Hidden Treasures of Santa Maria Maggiore's Upper Areas. Step into one of Rome’s most revered basilicas and be captivated by its extraordinary beauty. From the Loggia of Blessings, admire the stunning medieval mosaics by Filippo Rusuti and enjoy panoramic views of the historic square below, rich in stories of the Basilica's miraculous foundation. Walk through the splendid Hall of the Popes, a gallery showcasing portraits and memorabilia linked to Popes, Cardinals, and the Spanish monarchy. Then, ascend the graceful Bernini Staircase, a travertine spiral symbolizing spiritual ascent. Finish your visit at the Liberian Historical Museum, where priceless artworks, rare musical manuscripts, and sacred artifacts tell the Basilica’s rich cultural and spiritual history. A fascinating journey through art, history, and faith, to explore at your own pace. With priority access to the Papal Basilica, enjoy the flexibility of visiting at any time during the day.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- *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.
Reviews(21)
Bought these tickets last minute for a quick trip through the church. Staff was very helpful making sure that we got our tickets and had no issues entering the church. They followed up to make sure we had a nice time as well.
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.
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.
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
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
very well and it was very quick to get the ticket voucher as I managed it while already outside the cathedral.
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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.
