“In hoc signo vinces” (“By this sign, conquer”) was the voice that Roman Emperor Constantine heard in 313 when he was getting ready to prepare for an important battle and saw a flaming cross in the sky. And thus begins an important phase in Christian Rome: it then became an official religion of the Roman Empire.
This private tour takes you to some of the most important sites in the history of the religion. Get picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan and then head to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a large house of worship that was first built in 5th century.
After learning about the history of the building from your private driver-guide, move on to St John Lateran's Basilica, officially the church of the Pope. The barn-like structure has a long and fascinating history. Next door, in the Lateran Palace, visit the Holy Steps (Scala Santa) supposedly the steps of the Pontius Pilate, best known from the biblical account of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Today, pilgrims ascend the 28 steps on their knees, saying a prayer for each step.
Atop the steps is the the Holy of Holies (Sancta Sanctorum), once the depository for some of the holiest relics in Christendom, including a chunk of the table that held the Last Supper, the head of St John the Baptist and the Holy Prepuce, said to have been given to Pope Leo III by Charles the Great in 800 AD.
From there, stop into the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem for more relic extravaganzas. Find the relics that St Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, brought home from a sanctified shopping spree in the Holy Land, including a piece of the True Cross, a thorn from Christ’s crown, and the finger of St Thomas.
After spending some time exploring and learning about the history of the church, venture on to St Paul Outside the Walls, one of the world’s largest churches and the resting place of St Paul.
Finally, journey out to the Appian Way to explore the Roman Catacombs, an underground early Christian cemetery with a fascinating history.
