VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
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
What‘s Included
Bernini’s Tomb
Mosaics and Ceiling
Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
Loggia Mosaics
Special Access after public closure
Highlights of the Basilica
Hall of the Popes
Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome
Sistine Chapel
Bernini’s Staircase
Rooftop Terraces
Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
Top rated Expert Guide
Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
Borghese Chapel
Options
Private Option
Semi-Private Option
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Santa Maria Maggiore, Spectacular! Thanks Silvia
Michae P,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Silvia was a fabulous guide unlocking some of the meaning and history of this world famous Basillica. After hours was really special with a nice sunset hitting the top of the structure. Pope Francis tomb is also special. Highly recommend.
Sunset/evening tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with a knowledgable guide, Silvia.
707MichaelP707,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Silvia, our guide, was fantastic! She was knowledgable, not only about the specific site, but also about art history. It was quick and to the point, based on restrictions of the Basilica but we went to the rooftop at sunset! Pope Francis's tomb is here, and it was lovely to pay our respects. I highly recommend Silvia and this tour of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Andy is a great tour guide!
Heather M,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andy was great. Charming, funny, extremely knowledgeable. If you can get Andy, you won’t regret it.
Tour with David. Great historical commentary. PopeFrancis info was superb
William N,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill and Pat from Massachusetts loved it
Hidden Gem Tour of a papal basilica
O4674GJchristiang,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a real hidden gem. If you're in Rome, Vatican/Colosseum are already on the agenda, but you want something a little unique too, this is for you. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal basilicas (on the level of St. Peter's basilica), and you get to see it after hours with no one else there - just your small tour group (ours had 4 people plus guide) and a few staff members (I think we saw a monk tending the gardens on the rooftops). Our guide was Chiara and she was excellent - very knowledgeable about the church's history, the medieval art, the costly materials and everything else. She even threw in one the best explanations of how an indulgence works that I've heard, which was relevant to our walking through the Holy Door during the 2025 Jubilee. The 5th century mosaics on top of the church are incredible. You can peer out over the purple-draped loggia to the square below like the Pope giving a speech, and you clamber over the rooftop catwalks with great views of the city. The spiral staircase is also amazing, as is the fabulous interior of the church itself, including the relics of the Manger, which again, you get to see with no one else there. We also got to pay our respects at Pope Francis's tomb, who apparently loved Santa Maria Maggiore. After this tour, you'll see why. It was brief, but unforgettable - probably my favorite church, and favorite tour, of our whole trip to Italy. Book it now and ask for Chiara!
Andy was amazing!
tbucklar,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andy was amazing! His knowledge of the basilica was in depth and he was a great storyteller. Views of Rome from the roof of the basilica were a treat as well as seeing the basilica after hours with only a few people. Highly recommend!
Unforgettable sunset views of Rome from the terraces of Santa Maria Maggiore
S4765WMamandac,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was valuable and unique. We got to experience incredible sunset views of Rome from the terraces of Santa Maria Maggiore. This after hours private tour of one of the four main basilicas of Rome in an intimate and quiet setting was a welcomed relief from the heavy crowds and allowed us to truly take in the reverence, history, and beauty of the basilica.
Very informative
anniebatongb,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting especially History of Catholic faith and I really enjoy it. It made me understand some of the legend and symbols.
Catacombs with Andy.
231evanp,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andy was amazing. We really enjoyed the catacombs. Andy made it fun for my 11 year old as well. We hope to have another tour with him.
Very blessed to have experienced this tour with my family
W6226MErosemaryb,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Given that there’s so many tourists in town, the after hours option was so worth it. We learned so much and got to see areas of Basilica not open to the public.
From €109.00
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