Christian Rome: Basilicas and Catacombs - Luxury Private Tour

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Highlights

Explore the major sites of early Christianity in Rome

Rome

Private Tour

4 Hours

EASY

French, English, Italian, Spanish

Description

This tour has been designed to visit the most important places of Christianity in half a day and in a very comfortable way.

We'll discover how the martyrs planted the seeds for the development of the Christian religion in Rome, which quickly began to gain followers against the prevailing paganism, until the conversion of the Emperor Constantine (IV century).

After pick-up at the hotel, you'll drive to the Lateran, to visit the Basilica of St. John (the Cathedral of Rome) and the Holy Stairs.

You will learn about St. Elena's pilgrimage to the Holy Land, from where she brought the most important relics of Christianity to Rome.

You will then visit the Church of St. Mary Major, also known as Our Lady of the Snows because of the miracle of its construction.

To round off this journey through spirituality and history, you will visit a catacomb on the Via Appia: the Catacomb of St. Sebastian or that of St. Calixtus, depending on the opening days.

Itinerary

Saint John's Basilica in the Lateran

We'll start our tour from the St John's Basilica, the cathedral of Rome. The historical and spiritual importance of this place will be explained in detail by your qualified tour guide. We'll visit the sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (the most important relics are preserved here).
Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica

Then we'll head to another papal Basilica, dedicated to St Mary and also known as Our Lady of the Snows, for the miracle of its construction (you'll learn about it . . . )
Saint Sebastian's catacomb on the Appian way

When exploring the birth of Christianity, you cannot miss the visit of one catacomb. Those burial places still tell us a lot about the values of fraternity and hope shared by the community of first Christians.
Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)

According to Roman Catholic tradition, the Holy Stairs were the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, on which Jesus Christ stepped before his Passion.
They were brought to Rome from Jerusalem by Saint Elena, mother of the Emperor Constantine.
It's one of the most spiritual places of Christianity and your guide will leave the necessary introduction and time to enjoy this unmissable experience.

What's Included

Modern and air-conditioned Mercedes car or van (up to 6 seats).

All tickets

Know Before You Go

Public transportation nearby

Infant seats available

Please Note

Weather: we run tours

Rain or shine

And most of our itineraries take place entirely or partially outside. Water, sunscreen and a hat are recommended in summer, as are warm layers in winter.

Comfortable shoes

Are always advised.

Dress code

Churches have strict dress code requirements: dresses/shorts must be knee length and shoulders covered , so bringing zip on attire or scarfs is acceptable.