Useful Tips
Accessibility
The Basilica has an access ramp for worshippers, pilgrims and visitors in wheelchairs. Inside the Basilica there are toilets for worshippers, pilgrims and visitors with mobility difficulties. To access them, please ask the staff on duty for directions. The Basilica has mobile platforms to ensure access to all the side chapels. You must request their availability from the staff inside the Basilica. The Liberian Museum Complex has a lift to reach the museum areas. For access to the 360° Panoramic Terraces and the Archaeological Area, please contact the following email address: visitemuseo.smm@basilica.va
Clothing
Admission to the Basilica and the Liberian Museum Complex is permitted only to visitors dressed in a dignified manner. Sleeveless and/or low-cut garments, shorts that do not cover the knees, miniskirts and hats are not permitted. Decorum also extends to any visible personal items and distinctive personal marks (such as tattoos) that may offend Catholic morality, the Catholic religion and common decency.
Cloakroom service
The Basilica does not have a cloakroom service. Visitors are also advised not to leave their personal belongings unattended.
Lost & Found
In the event of loss of personal belongings, visitors are asked to report this to the Basilica staff, who will check whether the items have been found. If visitors have already left the Basilica area, they can submit a request for assistance to the following address: mailvisitemuseo.smm@basilica.va. Under no circumstances shall the Basilica and the Liberian Museum Complex be held responsible for the loss of personal belongings.
Luggage, bags and backpacks
Visitors are not permitted to enter the Basilica and the Liberian Museum Complex with large bags, suitcases and backpacks which, due to their characteristics, are deemed unsuitable by security personnel at their sole discretion.
Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited. The use of electronic cigarettes is also prohibited.
Knives, scissors and metal tools
In order to ensure visitor safety and protect the artistic heritage, knives, scissors and/or metal tools of various kinds must be handed in at security checks.
Weapons and/or dangerous materials
It is forbidden to bring any type of firearm and/or dangerous material into the premises. This prohibition also applies to members of the police force carrying service weapons.
Pets and guide dogs
Animals, even small ones, are not allowed. The only exception is guide dogs for blind people, provided they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle.
Food and beverages
Alcoholic beverages and spirits are not permitted. Furthermore, the consumption of food and beverages is prohibited in all indoor areas.
Laser pointers
The use of any type of laser pointer is prohibited.
Security checks at the metal detector
To facilitate and speed up metal detector checks, we recommend that you remove any prohibited items from your hand luggage in advance and report them to the staff in charge.
Drawing
Special authorisation from the Basilica Chapter is required for the reproduction or drawing (exclusively in pencil) of the works on display. In this case, please contact the following email address: archivio.smm@basilica.va
Photography
Photography is permitted – for personal and/or domestic purposes only – of the works and rooms of the Basilica and the Liberian Museum Complex. The use of flash is always prohibited. The use of tripods, drones and/or professional equipment is prohibited; any use must be authorised by the Chapter of Santa Maria Maggiore. In this case, please contact the following email address: archivio.smm@basilica.va. The use of extendable selfie sticks is also prohibited.
Visits
Out of respect for the sacred nature of the site, visitors and tour guides are asked to observe complete silence and respect the space.
Earphones
All groups receiving an explanation and consisting of more than 7 people must wear earphones provided by the Basilica's official concessionaire. It is strongly recommended that you read the regulations regarding the earphone service available on the Basilica's official website: Earphone Regulations >
Map
At the entrance portico, there are panels displaying a floor plan of the Basilica with the main points of interest highlighted. At the Info Point desk, you can hire an audio guide and request a map of the Basilica to listen to explanations of the areas of interest.
Rest area
To offer visitors a place to pause and rest, there is a refreshment area in the courtyard of the Basilica. Inside the area, there are toilets, benches, and vending machines selling snacks and drinks.
Waste
Paper, cans, bottles or other waste must not be left lying around, except in the appropriate bins which, for safety reasons, are located only in areas outside the visitor route (main entrance by the portico, courtyard, toilets).
Families
The Basilica and the Liberian Museum Complex are pleased to welcome families with children in pushchairs. Basilica staff will be happy to show you the easiest route and indicate the entrances that allow for easier mobility. The toilets are equipped with baby changing facilities.
Surveillance of artistic heritage
It is strictly forbidden to touch the works of art. To ensure visitor safety and the protection of artistic heritage, all areas are equipped with an advanced alarm and video surveillance system.
Mobile phones
The use of mobile phones is prohibited inside the Basilica. The use of mobile phones is strongly discouraged inside the Liberian Museum Complex. However, visitors are required to set their devices to silent mode in the museum spaces.
