Exclusive Underground Santa Maria Maggiore Tour is a step beneath the surface of one of Rome’s most iconic basilicas.

This remarkable journey invites you to uncover the hidden treasures beneath Santa Maria Maggiore, offering an immersive exploration of centuries-old history, art, and religious significance.

Begin your adventure by descending into the excavations under Santa Maria Maggiore Church. Here, you’ll witness the archaeological remains and early Christian foundations that unveil the rich history of this sacred site, providing insight into the evolution of early Christian Rome.

The complex, whose original purpose remains uncertain despite various hypotheses, is presumed to have been private and unrelated to the Liberian Basilica, the early Christian Basilica traditionally associated with Pope Liberius (352–366 AD).

It is believed to be the precursor to the modern Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, one of the city’s four major papal basilicas. Historical accounts suggest that the original structure may have been situated near thea market complex from the Roman period.

However, exact details about its original location and form remain uncertain, as archaeological evidence is sparse and often contested.
This Basilica holds significance as one of the earliest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, reflecting the growing devotion to her in early Christianity. Over time, it evolved into the grand basilica we see today, though the original structure and its precise connection to the current site remain a topic of historical and scholarly exploration.
This structure consists of numerous rooms arranged around a large courtyard, spanning multiple levels.

Its interpretation is challenging due to its association with different periods and the alterations made by later constructions over time.
Along the route, visitors can observeremnants of a small thermal bath, including mosaics and heating cavities, an exhibition of ancient roof tiles, well-preserved decorative geometric frescoes, traces of frescoes depicting an agricultural calendar, perhaps the site’s most famous artifact,a small semicircular room with niches, remnants of frescoes, and a floor in opus sectile on suspensura, likely part of the thermal bath complex.

Led by expert guides, this tour offers an in-depth look at the artistic, cultural, and religious importance of Santa Maria Maggiore. Whether you’re a history lover, an art enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, the Underground Santa Maria Maggiore Tour provides a rare glimpse into the hidden passages beneath one of Rome’s most revered basilicas.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the underground wonders of Santa Maria Maggiore. Especialy in the Year of Jubilee 2025 reserve your tour now and embark on an extraordinary journey through the historic and artistic treasures hidden beneath the basilica.