Visit the most spiritually significant artefacts involved in the Crucifixion of Jesus outside of the Holy Land. This tour is a must for any Christian pilgrim to Rome

Duration

3 hours

About

When the Roman Empire embraced the faith it once persecuted, it exploded into a frenzy of observance for the history and truth of the Christian faith manifest in the literary, the artistic and the relics of the early Christian church. Many of these were then brought to the then capital of the world - Rome.

On this tour expect to have an intimate encounter with the Relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ - physical objects which were used in his torture and death, and which were mostly brought to Rome from Jerusalem by St Helena - the mother of Emperor Constantine - in the 4th century.

We begin our tour with a visit to one of the oldest Churches dedicated to Theotokos (Mother of God) in Rome - the Basilica of St Mary Major - containing, beneath its main altar, wood from the manger in which the baby Jesus once lay. The church adorned by every epoque of Italian art history even holds the body of the devout baroque master artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

We then walk over to the Basilica of Santa Prassede, with its fabulous 9th century mosaics and most importantly the stone pillar on which Jesus was scourged brought from the Praetorium in Jerusalem to Rome in the 13th century.

From there you continue on to the Holy Steps on which Jesus was judged by Pontius Pilate, transported to Rome in the 4th century by St Helena. Although we wont have time to ascend the stairs on our knees according to the pilgrim tradition, we will also peer into the Holy of Holies at the top to see the icon painted by the Gospel writer, St Luke.

From there we visit the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni Laterano) to marvel at the architectural design of Borrimini and understand the symbolism and history of the stunning mosaic. Your expert guide will then point out the place above the high altar where the skulls of Sts Peter and Paul rest.

From there you will continue to the climax of the tour and one of the most holy places in the world - the Basilica of the Holy Cross - built on earth brought from Calvary in the 4th century. Learn the history about the artefacts of Jesus' passion and death that were brought to Rome and finally enter to see fragments of the Holy Sepulcher and the Cave of Bethlehem, a Nail of The Crucifixion, a 2 Thorns of The Crown Thorns, the small walnut board reading Jesus the Nazarene king of the Jews and the wood of the Cross Jesus was crucified on.

All pilgrims who join us on this once in a lifetime Catholic pilgrimage tour will be given time to reflect and pray as part of their religious tour experience.

What's included

• Entry to the each site included in the tour
• Expert Local Guide
• Headsets for groups when appropriate

What's Excluded

• Transport to and from the tour
• Transport during the tour
• Some temporary exhibitions and special events may be excluded
• Food and Drink
• Gratuities

Know Before You Go

Please check-in at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours will depart promptly at the scheduled time, and no refunds will be given for late arrivals or missed tours.

THIS IS A WALKING TOUR WITH A GOOD AMOUNT OF DISTANCE BETWEEN CHURCHES - If you have restricted mobility, we recommend booking our Golfcart Tour Option

Proof of identification may be required, so please bring a valid form of photo ID for each guest.

Tours will proceed in all weather conditions, unless the site is closed by authorities for safety reasons. It is highly recommended to bring bottled water, sunscreen, hat and umbrella.

All tours operate within the current COVID-19 regulations set by the Italian Government.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to dress warmly in colder temperatures, and bring a cover for bare shoulders inside any churches in the warmer months.

The route of the tour and access to churches may be changed or adjusted at the last minute if there are special events or unannounced closures at any of the churches.