Set out on a profound spiritual journey through Rome’s historic religious sites. This walking tour explores relics from the Passion of Christ, uncovering their cultural and religious significance. Venture beyond the typical tourist path, delving into the hallowed halls of iconic basilicas. From the wood of Jesus’ manger to the revered Holy Steps, each artifact holds the power to captivate the faithful and the curious alike. What secrets do these relics hold?

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Key Points

This 3-hour small group tour explores the relics of the Passion of Christ across several basilicas and churches in Rome.
The tour covers key relics such as a fragment of the manger, the pillar from the scourging, and the Holy Steps.
Participants will visit historic sites like the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of Santa Prassede, and Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
The relics were brought to Rome from Jerusalem by St. Helena in the 4th century and hold immense spiritual significance for Christian pilgrims.
The tour is wheelchair-accessible, and reservations can be made with a full refund available up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The tour, titled "Rome: Relics from the Passion of the Christ Walking Tour," is likely to sell out quickly due to its popularity.

Priced from $92.79 per person, the 3-hour small group tour (limited to 10 participants) is led by a live English-speaking guide.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours prior.

The wheelchair-accessible tour starts at Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore and visits key sites showcasing relics related to the Passion of Jesus Christ, including the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

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Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, the tour takes participants to several notable religious sites in Rome, each showcasing unique relics associated with the Passion of Jesus Christ.

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore houses a fragment of the manger from Bethlehem. Nearby, the Basilica of Santa Prassede displays a pillar from Jesus’ scourging.

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore houses a fragment of the manger from Bethlehem. Nearby, the Basilica of Santa Prassede displays a pillar from Jesus’ scourging.

The tour then visits the Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, which holds the Holy Steps judged by Pontius Pilate.

Other highlights include the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, with their own sacred Passion relics.

Historical Significance of the Relics

The tour emphasizes the historical significance of the relics brought to Rome from Jerusalem, primarily by St. Helena in the 4th century.

Key relics include wood from the manger of Jesus, the stone pillar of Jesus’ scourging, and the Holy Steps judged by Pontius Pilate.

Fragments of the Holy Sepulcher and the Cave of Bethlehem, as well as a nail of the Crucifixion and thorns from the Crown of Thorns, further underscore the tour’s focus on the Passion of Christ.

These sacred items hold immense spiritual and cultural importance for Christian pilgrims and visitors.

Visiting the Basilica Papale Di Santa Maria Maggiore

As visitors arrive at the Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, they’ll be greeted by the imposing facade of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. This papal basilica is one of the four major basilicas in Rome, known for its stunning 5th-century mosaics and gilded ceilings.

| Key Facts | |

| — | — |

| Construction | 5th Century |

| Architectural Style | Basilica |

| Dedication | Virgin Mary |

| Relics | Wood from the Manger of Jesus |

| Significance | One of Rome’s Four Major Basilicas |

The basilica serves as the starting point for the Rome: Relics from the Passion of the Christ Walking Tour, setting the stage for the exploration of sacred sites and holy relics throughout the city.

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Exploring the Basilica of Santa Prassede

From the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the walking tour continues to the lesser-known but equally captivating Basilica of Santa Prassede.

This 9th-century church is home to stunning mosaics, including the dazzling apse depicting Christ in glory.

Visitors can:

Marvel at the intricate mosaic designs that adorn the church’s interior walls and ceilings.
Descend into the Sancta Sanctorum, a small chapel with relics from the Passion of Christ.
Explore the Oratory of Saint Zeno, which houses the remains of early Christian martyrs.

The Basilica of Santa Prassede offers a glimpse into Rome’s rich religious heritage and the enduring power of faith.

There's plenty more to explore in Rome

Discovering the Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria De Liguori

Leaving the tranquility of the Basilica of Santa Prassede, the tour group now makes its way to the Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.

This 18th-century church is known for its striking interior, adorned with magnificent frescoes and mosaics. The guide explains that it houses an important relic – a fragment of the True Cross.

Visitors are awed by the church’s ornate design and learn about the history of the relic, which was brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century.

The church’s ornate design awes visitors, who learn of the relic’s history, brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century.

The group spends time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the significance of this sacred space and the relics it contains.

Ascending the Scala Sancta and the Basilica Di San Giovanni in Laterano

After departing the Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the tour group ascends the renowned Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs.

Believed to be the stairs Jesus climbed on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate, the 28 marble steps are only permitted to be climbed on one’s knees. Visitors reverently make their way up, pausing to pray and reflect on Christ’s suffering.

The tour then visits the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope.

Highlights include:

Impressive Baroque façade and interior
Relics associated with the Passion, including the Holy Steps
Baptistery where Emperor Constantine was baptized

Visiting the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem

After departing the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the tour group makes its way to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

This medieval basilica is renowned for housing several relics associated with the Passion of Christ, including fragments of the true Cross and thorns from the Crown of Thorns.

The guide explains the history of these sacred relics, how they were brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century, and their religious significance.

Visitors are awed by the opportunity to view these tangible connections to the life and suffering of Jesus.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a profound spiritual journey, enabling visitors to explore historically significant religious sites and relics associated with the Passion of the Christ. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the cultural and religious significance of these sacred artifacts, culminating in a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

You can check availability for your dates here: