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Tour of the Christian Relics in Rome
This Tour of the Christian Relics in Rome provides an amazing experience to all those who wish to discover the Christian heritage of Rome, exploring the relics related to the life and death of Jesus with an expert private guide.
Itinerary Highlights
Holy Steps (Scala Santa): Visit the Holy Steps, the staircase from Pilate’s house, and see where pilgrims climb the 28 steps on their knees to reach the Sancta Sanctorum.
Basilica of Holy Cross in Jerusalem: Marvel at the 4th-century basilica built by St. Helen to house the relics of the Passion of Jesus, where you will admire relics including thorns from the Crown of Thorns and pieces of the True Cross.
St. Prassede Basilica: Discover this beautiful basilica, famous for its 9th-century mosaics, and visit the Chapel of San Zeno, which houses part of the Pillar of Flagellation used to torture Jesus.
Basilica of St. Mary Major: Visit the first basilica dedicated to the Mother of Jesus, which holds the precious relics of the wooden crypt of Bethlehem (Nativity relic) under the high altar.
Why book this tour
- Deep Spiritual Insight: Explore the origins of Rome’s revered Christian heritage with a knowledgeable private guide focused exclusively on the city’s most holy relics and churches.
- Access to Sacred Artifacts: Gain entry to churches housing priceless relics, including the wooden crypt of Bethlehem (the Nativity relic) and pieces of the True Cross of Jesus.
- Personalized Guided Experience: Enjoy a 3-hour private tour tailored to your group, allowing you the flexibility to absorb the history and architecture at your own pace.
- Visit the Holy Steps (Scala Santa): Witness the devotion of pilgrims at the actual staircase from Pilate’s house, which Jesus descended before his crucifixion and gain access to the Sancta Sanctorum.
Description
For all those who are interested in Rome’s most religious sites, we suggest a 3 hour tour with a knowledgeable, private guide visiting these extremely holy places. For many centuries saints and martyrs brought relics from the Holy Land to Rome. Marvelous churches were built to honor the relics of the saints or those related to Jesus Christ, though he never came to Rome himself.
You will enter the beautiful St Prassede Basilica. The basilica is renowned for its mosaics dating back to the 9th century AD. After the visit of of Saint Prassede Basilica, you will continue with the Basilica of St Mary Major. The basilica is part of the Vatican State, thus enjoying the privilege of extra-territoriality. St Mary Major was the first basilica dedicated to the Mother of Jesus in the 5th century AD.
St Mary Major hosts beautiful mosaics representing the New and Old Testament and, under the high altar, the relics of the wooden crypt of Bethlehem from the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Here you will also find the burial place of Saint Jerome, the 4th-century Doctor of the Church who translated the Bible into Latin.
A taxi will then take you from the Esquiline hill to the Holy Steps. The so-called “Scala Santa” was the actual staircase in Pilate’s house, which Jesus descended after being sentenced to death. Today pilgrims, as a form of devotion, climb the 28 steps on their knees until they reach the top where they gain access to the so called “Sancta Sanctorum”, the Holy of the Holiest, which was the chapel of the earliest Popes.
The last part of this Rome Tour of the Christian Relics will include a visit to the Basilica of Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Built in the 4th century by commission of St. Helen, its purpose was to house the relics of the Passion of Jesus. St. Helen brought to the the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem not only the relics but also part of the soil of Jerusalem. In the Chapel of the Relics you will admire two thorns from the Crown of Thorns, part of a nail and three small wooden pieces of the Cross of Jesus.
Things to know before the tour
Focus: This tour is specifically focused on Christian history, relics and religious sites.
Important information
Attire: As you will be visiting highly sacred sites (churches and basilicas), respectful attire is required. Please ensure shoulders and knees are covered. We also suggest you wear comfortable shoes, as a moderate amount of walking is involved in this tour.
Scala Santa (Holy Steps): The 28 steps are traditionally climbed by pilgrims on their knees as an act of devotion. Access to the Sancta Sanctorum is gained at the top.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations 4 days or earlier prior to the scheduled tour are subject to a penalty.
Please note Tickets and reservation are strictly not refundable. If you cancel 4 days or earlier prior to the tour we will refund you partially for the price of guide only.
No refund will be provided if you cancel your tour within 4 days prior to the scheduled tour.
Meeting point
Included
3.5 hours private guide
Excluded
Taxi to pay on site
About the Tour
Offered in English
Duration
3.5 hours
Level
Easy
Access
Audio
Private Tour
Dates and departures
Everyday except on Sundays and on public holidays
Morning and afternoon start times, all year round
Values
- Priority Access and Expert Guidance!
- Local Staff Support
- Encounter Ancient Treasures
- Unravel Hidden Meanings in the Artwork
— What you won’t miss
You Will See
Basilica of St. Mary Major
Basilica of Holy Cross in Jerusalem
Holy Steps
— About Us
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