Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Open Bus 24h

• Visit one of the four papal basilicas of Rome
• Continue your roman holiday comfortably seated on this bus and with a pre-recorded commentary
• All the city in only one ticket
• Skip the line and don't waste your time

According to legend, Pope Liberius had a vision of the Virgin Mary in August 352, after which snow fell on the top of the Esquiline. To commemorate this miracle, he built the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major), also known as the Santa Maria della Neve (Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows), at the site. Every year, on August 5, the church holds a ceremony during which white flower petals fall from the ceiling.
The temple was the first church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is one of Rome's four patriarchal basilicas, but is the only one not associated with the martyrdom of any of the early Christians. The 18th-century Baroque façade would indicate the church's relatively short history, but you'll quickly see how wrong that impression is when you step inside. The interior of the basilica is a veritable treasure mine of various historical periods. The coffered ceiling, one of only two of its kind in Rome, dates back to the 15th century. The floor is decorated with the Cosmatesque style. The magnificent mosaics inside the basilica testify to its ancient past. The mosaics decorating the triumphal arch and the walls of the nave date back to the 5th century. Inside you can also see an urn that is thought to contain the remains of the cradle of Bethlehem.

Continue your roman adventure on board of hop on and hop off double-decker bus. One ticket to enter in the holy atmosphere of Rome and discover its Baths, its Forum, its Colosseum and some of its beautiful churches. You can get on and off as many times as you like, near to the monuments and highlights of the city, so you can visit Rome without stress and at your own pace.

Reduced Ticket:

• Children aged 6-17 years (valid identity document needed)

Free Ticket:

• Children up to 5 years old (valid identity document needed)

• Chosen time refers to the visit to Santa Maria Maggiore, the 24-hours ticket for Open Bus is included.
• Routes and times may be subject to changes due to urban traffic and not dependent on Italy Tickets.
• You can start the tour from any stop along the way.