Take a fascinating journey through underground temples and four impressive churches to understand the very early stages of Christianity!
Start your tour in the magnificent Basilica of St. Clement and venture deep underground below its foundations. Journey through several layers of history down to the ancient pagan temples underneath and gradually uncover the structures built on top of it. Standing at a site of a Mithraic cult, find out about the backdrop of paganism and how that led to the Christian persecutions. Learn about St. Clement (the third pope after St. Peter) whilst standing in the 1st-century structure that once was his home. Journey higher into the 4th-century Basilica, built on top of St Clement’s house to admire the preserved ample spaces and frescoes and learn about the scenes and the lives of the martyrs they portray. From there, venture into the impressive 12th-century Basilica built on top of the 4th-century one. Marvel at the stunning golden mosaics and learn about their symbolism.
Having learned about paganism, the early persecutions, and the martyrs, make a walk to the Basilica of St. John Lateran to find out why it is known as “Mother and head of all churches on Earth”. Be impressed by the beauty of its golden interiors and ancient frescos. Hear about Emperor Constantine and understand why he legalized Christianity in 313. Learn about the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem to recover the artifacts safeguarded in the Holy Land. Among those, see the Holy Stairs, the original stairs of the praetorium which Jesus climbed at his judgment. Finally, walk to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, the church built with earth brought from the Holy land, and see the other holy relics secured by Helena including a nail from the crucifixion, the walnut board Pontius Pilate put above the cross, the wood of Jesus' cross, fragments of the wall from the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem and two thorns of Christ's crown.
Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
Pick up and drop-off service
