Tours/Rome/Viator
Viator · group up to 12 pax

Rome St Mary Major Basilica: Catholic Pilgrim Tour & Holy Door

4.6(21)Rome1 hour
VIATOR4.7(15)TRIPADVISOR4.3(6)

Description

Explore the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of Rome's four Major Papal Basilicas, with an insightful guide steeped in Catholic tradition. Delve into the rich history and symbolism of ancient mosaics, the crib relic of the baby Jesus and the revered icon Salus Populi Romani, attributed to St Luke. This small group tour allows for an intimate and engaging experience as you learn about the basilica's significance and hidden treasures. - Duration: 1 hour guided tour in English - Pass through the Holy Door whilst open for Jubilee Years, a gateway to gain an indulgence for pilgrims - See the glass sarcophagus of Pope St Pius V and other sacred relics

Tour Options

Rome St Mary Major Basilica: Catholic Pilgrim Tour & Holy Door

Itinerary

60 min

Explore one of Rome's four Major Basilicas and pass through the Holy Door on this 1-hour standalone tour of St Mary Major. Steeped in history and tradition, this magnificent landmark is home to relics of Christ Himself as well as the sarcophagus of Pope Pius V and the famous icon Salus Popoli Romani.

Highlights

All Fees and Taxes

What's included

Included
All Fees and Taxes
Not included
Guide gratuity
Transport to or from the tour is not included

Traveller Ratings

4.6
21 reviews
5
17
4
2
3
0
2
1
1
1

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(21)

H
Holly_Z
May 20, 2026
A must see!

My daughter went here on a pilgrimage and told me it was a must see. After visiting I agree! It will not disappoint . Wen my guide was very professional and a wealth of knowledge. I learned so much more from her than if I visited on my own.

L
Linda_W
April 22, 2026
Excellent Guide

This was a very comprehensive tour and we were given a lot of information and time to experience the relics and sacred spaces.

D
Debbie_V
March 27, 2026
Very knowledgeable - would give 11 out of 10!

Wa was amazing amazing! We have been on a pilgrimage through Portugal, Spain, France , Italy. very very knowledgeable- patient- made sure we understood - talked well. one of the very best guided we have experienced ! highly recommend!!!

C
charleslew919
March 21, 2026
St Mary major church

Very informative and hidden messages Very cordial guide and on time and can tell you about everything in the church

M
Michelle_L
January 29, 2026
Wen was so great! I was...

Wen was so great! I was running a little behind but arrived before the tour began. She is clearly knowledgeable in all aspects of this tour. She was also so sweet and kind- allowing some space and time to reflect at certain parts of the tour and not overwhelming me with information like other tour guides do. She mixed history with religion and architecture, which all really enhanced the beauty of St Mary Della Nevi!

D
Daisy_P
January 28, 2026
Confused

I didn’t meet our tour guide and we just went inside the church without the tour guide. I didn’t received any instruction the day before how to meet our guide.

Operator response

We're sorry you didnt meet your guide. Our guide was at the meeting point (and met the other customers there) and tried to contact you by phone both my SMS and phoning but without any response. The guide was waiting at the meeting point 20 minutes before the tour was due to start.

F
Fabio_C
December 29, 2025
Excellent guide

Fantastic guide today, she was very knowledgeable. Will definitely share details with friends and family

A
Adri A
December 27, 2025
Disappointed

The guide was very nice and knowledgeable, and even though she spoke English as her second language, there were still times that were difficult to understand her. In fact, I missed the whole part when she shared that the Holy Doors were not open on this day. The entire reason I booked this trip was to go thru those and skip the line. Neither of those things were true. To say the least, I was disappointed with the experience.

Operator response

The tour can only go through the doors when the Holy Doors are open. You did your tour after the tours were shut although you booked when they were open. The Jubilee Year dates and Holy Doors openings are widely publised and you have an owness to correctly research and plan your own trip. The skip the line only applies when the Holy Doors are open, otherwise there is no skip the line.

K
Kimberly_R
November 25, 2025
Wen is very knowledgeable...

Wen is very knowledgeable and friendly. Sometimes she talks a little fast but she is a great tour guide.

R
Robert_S
November 25, 2025
Great Experience

Wonderful experience with Wen as our guide, offering wonderful historical background, appreciation of both the artistic and religious significance of St. Mary Major Basilica. Thank you.

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