Relics from Passion of the Christ Tour in Rome

Ecco il punto di partenza

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

We begin our tour with a visit to one of the oldest Churches dedicated to Theotokos (Mother of God) in Rome - the Basilica of St Mary Major - containing, beneath its main altar, wood from the manger in which the baby Jesus once lay. The church adorned by every era of Italian art history even holds the body of the devout baroque master artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Basilica di Santa Prassede

We then walk over to the Basilica of Santa Prassede, with its fabulous 9th century mosaics and most importantly the stone pillar on which Jesus was scourged brought from the Praetorium in Jerusalem to Rome in the 13th century.

Santuario della Scala Santa

Continue on to the Holy Steps on which Jesus was judged by Pontius Pilate, transported to Rome in the 4th century by St Helena. Although we won't have time to ascend the stairs on our knees according to the pilgrim tradition, we will also peer into the Holy of Holies at the top to see the icon painted by the Gospel writer, St Luke.

Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

We visit the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni Laterano) to marvel at the architectural design of Borromini and understand the symbolism and history of the stunning mosaic. Your expert guide will then point out the place above the high altar where the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul rest.

Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

From there you will continue to the climax of the tour and one of the most holy places in the world - the Basilica of the Holy Cross - built on earth brought from Calvary in the 4th century. Learn the history about the artifacts of Jesus' passion and death that were brought to Rome and finally enter to see fragments of the Holy Sepulcher and the Cave of Bethlehem, a Nail of The Crucifixion, a 2 Thorns of The Crown Thorns, the small walnut board reading Jesus the Nazarene king of the Jews and the wood of the Cross Jesus was crucified on