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4 hours
Walking Tour
Private Tour
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And so, as the amber sun begins its descent, bathing the Eternal City in its soft golden hue, our pilgrimage takes us to three of the four most hallowed Papal Basilicas and the breathtaking Basilica of Santa Croce. This quartet of magnificence, each a titan in its own right, forms an indelible part of the “must-see” roster for any visitor who sets foot in Rome. it.
First, our expert theologian takes you to the imposing Basilica of Mary Major, or Our Lady of Snows. Not only is this the grandest edifice devoted to Mary in all of Rome, but it also carries a tale of divine intervention. Our journey of discovery continues with the monumental St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome itself. Within its storied walls lies the seat of the bishop of Rome, the epicenter of ecclesiastical authority. From here, we find ourselves before the grand edifice of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. Its austere beauty bears the weight of ages, the solemn serenity punctuated by the peal of bells, the quiet murmur of ancient rites, and the faint echo of distant chants. Finally, we arrive at the Basilica of the Holy Cross. Within its sacred confines are relics steeped in faith and shrouded in profound reverence.
Expect to be moved, enlightened, and humbled. Come, let us tread the sacred path, where each stone bears the imprint of centuries of faith, where history and holiness converge in a deeply moving dance of reverence and awe.
Children under 7 years of age – Free
Lying hidden amidst Rome's bustling life is the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, a sanctum of profound sanctity and subtle beauty. Within its humble façade, treasures of unparalleled significance reside - the relics of the Passion, a silent testament to Christ's sacrifice.
Walking its hallowed halls is akin to stepping into Jerusalem itself, its walls whispering tales of that sacred city, carried across time and tide by St. Helena herself. In fact, the very name of this basilica 'in Gerusalemme' is derived from the soil of Jerusalem that St. Helena brought here to sanctify the grounds, making it a piece of the Holy Land in the heart of Rome.
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The Holy Stairs, also known as the Santa Scala, are a set of 28 marble steps in Rome, believed to be the stairs that Jesus Christ ascended during his trial before Pontius Pilate. According to tradition, the steps were brought from Jerusalem to Rome by Saint Helena in the 4th century. Pilgrims for centuries have revered these stairs, climbing them on their knees as a devotion, reflecting on Jesus' passion and suffering. |
As the Mother and Head of all churches in Rome and indeed, in the world, St. John Lateran’s grandeur transcends mere architectural splendor, echoing with the weight of its ecclesiastical significance.
Within its venerable walls, the cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome, lending it a sense of profound sanctity. Its vast nave and opulent interiors are a testament to the enduring power of devotion, each piece of art, each sculpted column, bearing the imprint of centuries.
Intriguingly, it is the only Roman basilica that has both a holy door and a permanent papal throne. The Lateran complex, with its adjacent Holy Stairs, offers an encounter with the divine that stirs the depths of the soul.
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Standing resolute atop the Esquiline Hill, the Basilica of Mary Major is not merely a testament to Rome's religious heritage but also an architectural marvel. Beneath its magnificent facade lies a fascinating fact: it is one of the only remaining structures to retain the core of its original structure despite various renovations across centuries. It also houses the Reliquary of the Holy Crib, believed to contain wood from the manger where Jesus was laid. From this vantage point, Santa Maria Maggiore not only stands as an enduring beacon of faith, but also as a bridge between eras, its echoes of the past intertwining with the ever-evolving story of Rome's spiritual journey. |
The Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls, is renowned for its stunning architecture, grandeur, and historical significance. Built over the burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, it features a striking neoclassical facade, magnificent mosaics, and a serene courtyard. The basilica is a symbol of Christian heritage and offers visitors a peaceful and reflective space to explore its rich religious history and artistic beauty.
