Choose a 3.5 hour tour with a friendly private guide visiting some of the most holy places of the Eternal City. During the past centuries many 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 start your Christian Tour entering the beautiful St Prassede Basilica. The lovely basilica is known for its mosaics dating back to the 9th century AD. After the visit of of Saint Prassede Basilica, you will proceed to the Basilica of St Mary Major. St Mary Major is known to be the first basilica dedicated to the Mother of Jesus in the 5th century AD.
St Mary Major is home to beautiful mosaics representing the New and Old Testament and, near the high altar, it hosts the relics of the wooden crypt of Bethlehem from the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
Reach the Holy Steps by taxi. The so-called “Scala Santa” was the actual staircase in Pilate’s house, which Jesus walked after being sentenced to death. Today pilgrims, remember Him, climbing 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. This is the chapel of the earliest Popes.
Visit the Basilica of Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Built in the 4th century by commission of St. Helen, who wanted to house the relics of the Passion of Jesus. St. Helen brought not only the relics but also part of the soil of Jerusalem.
