Christian Rome & Basilica Tour | Private

Tour Description

Even before the emperor Constantine declared Christianity the Roman Empire’s official religion, Christianity was making its imprint on Roman culture. The Roman State saw early Christians as a threat to the social status-quo. Their belief in one god went against the core values of Roman paganism, which favored the worship of multiple deities. For this the Christians were persecuted, fed to the lions in the Colosseum or scapegoated for certain disasters that affected the city, like the Great Fire in 64 AD.

But their redemption came in the fourth century when Constantine I converted to Christianity. The emperor’s conversion brought about change which resulted in Christianity becoming the religion of the State. This tour takes us to some of Rome’s oldest and most important ecclesiastical sites as we trace the mark Christianity has left. Accompanying you through Rome’s most famous basilicas and holy sites, your private expert guide will deepen your knowledge about the important role Christianity has played in Rome through centuries.

Our journey through Christian Rome begins at St. John Lateran

The famous basilica in the heart of San Giovanni holds the throne of the Pope of Rome and offers a unique blend of different artistic styles. First built during the reign of Constantine (306 – 337 AD), the church you see before you now dates from the 16th century. It incorporates many relics from antiquity, however, such as its central doors which were taken from the Roman Forum‘s ancient Curia (Senate House).

Close to St. John Lateran are the famous Holy Stairs. Transported from the Holy Land to Rome in 326 AD, these were supposedly the steps up which Jesus climbed when going to face his trial by Pontious Pilate. Each year they attract thousands of Christians making their pilgrimages to different sites across Rome.

Explore the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

The 13th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore is a treasure trove of Christian treasures. The largest Catholic Marian church in the city, Santa Maria Maggiore is an extraordinary holy site. It houses some of Rome’s most stunning apse mosaics depicting scenes from both the Old and New Testament and depicts a number of other important scenes from Christian history in its nave.

As well as this, Santa Maria Maggiore is home to a wealth of other artworks just waiting to be discovered. From miracle-working icons to relics like the Holy Crib and the impossibly ornate Altar of Sistine Chapel and Oratory of the Nativity, Santa Maria Maggiore is an essential visit for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the history of Christian Rome.

Next, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem

Nestled between the Basilica of St. John Lateran and Porta Maggiore, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is another along the pilgrim route of the seven churches of Rome. Itself stretching back to the 3rd century AD, you will learn of the layers of history that combine to culminate in the stunning structure that stands before us today.

Your guide will lead you through these changes, driven by Emperors and Popes-a-plenty. Each new addition represents a shift in style, motifs, and cultures that have swept across the Eternal City during its long and winding story.

Finish at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Finally, enjoy the comfort of a private transfer as you are taken outside of Rome’s city walls towards the district of Ostiense in Rome’s southern suburbs. Having gazed upon the magnificence of St. Paul Outside the Walls you will surely understand the necessity of the journey made.

Dating back to the 4th century AD, the basilica belongs to the Holy See, and with good reason. Having entered through the breathtaking collonade facade, you will find a marble tombstone under which the remains of St. Paul lie. One should look no further if they are aiming to understand the nascent years of Christianity in Rome.