Informazioni generali
Il programma nel dettaglio
Join us on a tour of a collection of Christianity’s most important churches. Whether you are a religious traveller or want to know more about some of the most historically significant buildings in the world, the Major Basilicas of Rome Tour will change the way you view churches forever.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Easy transportation between sites that would otherwise be hard to get to
* Expert guide on hand to regale you with fascinating stories
* Visit the Archbasilica of St. John of Lateran, Scala Sancta, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Starting at the Archbasilica of St. John of Lateran, the seat of the Pope and the oldest papal basilica, it was built on the site of Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius, an event used to commemorate the founding of Christian Rome. It is the first Catholic church in the western world and your expert guide will show you around.
We then 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. A short drive away we find 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. Its stunning cloisters and mosaics are one of Rome’s hidden gems.
Our final stop is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the oldest of Rome’s churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here you can appreciate the roots of Christianity, and with a small-group tour you have plenty of time to quiz your expert guide on all the details.
Meeting/pick-up point: Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, on the left hand corner when facing the Church. San Giovanni is on the same metro line as Ottaviano (Line A) which makes it easy to reach from the Vatican. Once you exit the metro, look for the Ancient Aurelian wall, go under the arches and you will see the Basilica of San Giovanni on the left. Walk up to the facade of the church, we meet on the left hand corner (when facing the church). During the the Holy Year (Jubilee) the meeting point is on the left hand side facing the church outside of the fenced off security area.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start/opening time: 2:15pm.
End/closing time: 5:15pm.
Languages: English or Spanish.
Others: End point : Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore . Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour. Tours in English: 01 March 2016 - 31 October 2016. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. Tours in Spanish : 16 March 2016 - 31 October 2016. Wednesdays, Saturdays. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Special note for tours running during the Holy Year (Jubilee): All guests must now pass through a security check before entering religious sites.
English