Major Basilicas of Rome With St John Lateran and St Mary Major and Holy Stairs
Rome, Italy
Rating: 
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 3 hours
Whether you are a religious traveler on pilgrimage or a history buff looking for some of the most historically significant buildings in the world, the Major Basilicas of Rome Tour is going to change the way you view churches forever. You will travel on an air conditioned mini-bus accompanied by an expert guide to a collection of Christianity’s most important churches, giving you an in-depth look at the history that shaped them along the way.
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Whether you are a religious traveler on pilgrimage or a history buff looking for some of the most historically significant buildings in the world, the Major Basilicas of Rome Tour is going to change the way you view churches forever. You will travel on an air conditioned mini-bus accompanied by an expert guide to a collection of Christianity’s most important churches, giving you an in-depth look at the history that shaped them along the way.
The tour starts at the Archbasilica of St. John of Lateran, the seat of the Pope and the oldest papal basilica, built on the site of Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius, an event used to commemorate the founding of Christian Rome. While inside the first Catholic church in the western world, your guide will show you 14th century baldachin; the incredible gold mosaics in the church apse; and the twelve monumental apostles, each sponsored by a prince or pope.
As a treat to pilgrims and those interested in the crusading history of Italy, you'll next visit the Scala Sancta, or Holy stairs, brought from Jerusalem by Constantine I’s mother, St. Helena. The devout come to climb the stairs on their knees as, legend has it, Jesus did on his way to trial under Pontius Pilate. We won’t have time during the tour (nor is the deeply personal act very fitting with a guided tour), but you’ll have all the information you need to appreciate the climb if you do return to do it later.
A short drive away is the Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura, or Saint Paul Outside the Walls, another project of Constantine I, and one of the least visited (and least crowded) of Rome’s major churches. Reportedly built atop the remains of St. Paul, its stunning cloisters and mosaics are one of Rome’s hidden gems.
The final stop is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the oldest of Rome’s churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its 5th century mosaics and the story of the early Christians who made them will give you a deep appreciation for the roots of Christianity.
These amazing churches can be a hassle to visit in one day if you are using public transport. This tour removes the annoyance of finding your way around the city with an air-conditioned mini-bus, chauffeured by a professional driver. With a tour group of 15 or fewer you will have plenty of time to quiz your expert tour guide on all the details of the places you visit while learning fascinating stories about the rise of one of the world’s great religions.
Sites Visited:
As a treat to pilgrims and those interested in the crusading history of Italy, you'll next visit the Scala Sancta, or Holy stairs, brought from Jerusalem by Constantine I’s mother, St. Helena. The devout come to climb the stairs on their knees as, legend has it, Jesus did on his way to trial under Pontius Pilate. We won’t have time during the tour (nor is the deeply personal act very fitting with a guided tour), but you’ll have all the information you need to appreciate the climb if you do return to do it later.
A short drive away is the Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura, or Saint Paul Outside the Walls, another project of Constantine I, and one of the least visited (and least crowded) of Rome’s major churches. Reportedly built atop the remains of St. Paul, its stunning cloisters and mosaics are one of Rome’s hidden gems.
The final stop is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the oldest of Rome’s churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its 5th century mosaics and the story of the early Christians who made them will give you a deep appreciation for the roots of Christianity.
These amazing churches can be a hassle to visit in one day if you are using public transport. This tour removes the annoyance of finding your way around the city with an air-conditioned mini-bus, chauffeured by a professional driver. With a tour group of 15 or fewer you will have plenty of time to quiz your expert tour guide on all the details of the places you visit while learning fascinating stories about the rise of one of the world’s great religions.
Sites Visited:
- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- The Holy Stairs
- Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
- Basilica of St. Mary Major
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