Rome: Underground Temples & Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour

Rome’s underground world holds ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered. This walking tour immerses visitors in the city’s rich religious history, exploring layers of worship from early Christianity to Mithraism. Guests will venture beneath the streets, uncover relics tied to Christ’s crucifixion, and ascend the revered Holy Stairs – all while enjoying a personalized, engaging journey through these sacred sites. What mysteries lie hidden beneath the Eternal City?

Key Points

• This guided walking tour explores the underground layers of the Basilica of St. Clement, including an ancient Mithraic temple and 4th-century church.
• Visitors will visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran and see the Holy Stairs, believed to be the original steps climbed by Jesus during his judgment.
• The tour concludes at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, which houses sacred relics from the Crucifixion.
• The experience is led by knowledgeable professionals and emphasizes an intimate group setting for enhanced learning and engagement.
• The tour is priced at $81.61 per person, lasts 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and is available in multiple languages with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The walking tour of Rome, titled "Rome: Underground Temples & Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour," is priced from $81.61 per person.

Discover the underground wonders of Rome on a guided walking tour priced from $81.61 per person.

Lasting 2.5 to 3.5 hours, the tour has a maximum group size of 10 participants.

Available in multiple languages, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour explores underground layers of the Basilica of St. Clement, the "Mother and head of all churches on Earth," the Holy Stairs, and other significant sites, providing insights into early Christianity and paganism through ancient frescoes and mosaics.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Touriks, Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 132, this walking tour takes guests on a journey through some of Rome’s most iconic and historically significant basilicas.

Explorers will visit the Basilica of St. Clement, delving into its underground layers and an ancient Mithraic Temple.

Next, they’ll discover the Basilica of St. John Lateran, known as the "Mother and head of all churches on Earth."

The tour then leads to the Holy Stairs, the original steps Jesus climbed during his judgment.

Finally, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem houses sacred relics, including a nail from the Crucifixion.

The Basilica of St. Clement

Beneath the modern Basilica of St. Clement, a remarkable underground world awaits. Descending through layers of history, visitors uncover an ancient Mithraic temple, remnants of a 4th-century church, and the foundations of an even earlier Roman structure. This multi-layered site offers a tantalizing glimpse into the religious evolution of Rome.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Mithraic Temple | An ancient temple dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, featuring intricate carvings and altars. |

| 4th-Century Church | The remains of an early Christian church, with frescoes and mosaics that hint at its former grandeur. |

| Roman Foundations | The substructure of a Roman building, providing a window into the city’s ancient architectural heritage. |

This subterranean exploration is a highlight of the "Rome: Underground Temples & Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour", offering a unique perspective on the city’s rich history.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran

Moving on from the Basilica of St. Clement, the tour next visits the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Known as the "Mother and Head of all Churches on Earth," this historic cathedral dates back to the 4th century.

Visitors marvel at its impressive architecture, including the iconic façade and intricate mosaics. The basilica also houses the Holy Stairs, believed to be the original stairs Jesus climbed during his judgment.

This sacred site offers a window into early Christian history and the evolution of Rome’s religious landscape. Exploring its rich past provides deeper insights into the foundations of Western Christianity.

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The Holy Stairs

The Holy Stairs, located within the Basilica of St. John Lateran, are a revered pilgrimage site.

These original stairs, believed to be the ones Jesus climbed during his judgment, are covered in protective wood and ascended on one’s knees in a solemn act of devotion.

• The stairs feature intricate marble carvings and are steeped in centuries of religious significance.

• Pilgrims climb the 28 steps, pausing to pray and reflect on Christ’s Passion at each landing.

• The Holy Stairs provide a profound connection to the events of the Crucifixion, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem

The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is a revered Roman Catholic church that houses some of the holiest relics associated with the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Visitors can see a fragment of the True Cross, thorns from the Crown of Thorns, and a nail purportedly used in the Crucifixion.

The basilica’s impressive architecture, including ornate mosaics and frescoes, reflects its historical significance.

The basilica’s stunning architecture, adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes, highlights its enduring historical importance.

The optional extension of the tour allows guests to explore this sacred site and learn about the importance of these venerated relics in Christian faith and tradition.

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major

As an optional extension to the tour, visitors can explore the stunning Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

This magnificent church boasts a wealth of sacred relics, including a relic of the crib in which the infant Jesus was laid.

The basilica’s sparkling mosaics and grandiose architecture create an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Key features include:

1. Stunning 5th-century mosaics that adorn the nave and apse.

2. Opportunity to view the Holy Crib of the Nativity, a cherished relic.

3. The basilica’s designation as the largest Marian church in Rome, a testament to its spiritual significance.

Tour Experience and Important Information

Guided tours of the various basilicas, led by knowledgeable professionals, provide visitors with a captivating and immersive experience.

Headsets ensure clear communication throughout the tours, while full on-site assistance ensures a seamless experience. The tours emphasize an intimate group setting, allowing for enhanced learning and engagement.

However, certain restrictions apply – guests must arrive five minutes before the scheduled start, and individuals with claustrophobia, wheelchair users, or those with large bags may be unable to fully participate.

On top of that, the tours are subject to weather conditions and liturgical-calendar events, with alternatives or refunds offered if canceled.

Ask Away

Can I Visit the Tour Sites Independently Outside the Guided Tour?

Yes, many of the tour sites can be visited independently outside the guided tour. However, without a guide, visitors may miss key historical insights and details about the underground layers and sacred relics.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals for this specific walking tour. However, they do provide a "Reserve now & pay later" option for added convenience. Pricing starts at $81.61 per person for the 2.5-3.5 hour guided experience.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for Each Major Stop on the Tour?

The tour allows roughly 30-60 minutes at each major stop, including the Basilica of St. Clement, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Holy Stairs, and Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Visitors should allocate 2.5-3.5 hours for the full tour experience.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary or Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour’s itinerary and duration can’t be customized, but travelers can opt for an optional extension to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The standard tour lasts 2.5-3.5 hours and covers the key highlights mentioned in the tour details.

What Are the Health and Safety Measures Taken by the Tour Operator?

The tour operator takes several health and safety measures, including restricting entry for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues. They also limit group sizes and provide headsets for clear communication. Visitors must follow guidelines like no large bags or pets.

Final Words

This walking tour offers an immersive exploration of Rome’s rich religious heritage. Guests explore ancient layers of worship, including a Mithraic Temple, and ascend the revered Holy Stairs. With personalized guidance, visitors discover the Basilica of St. Clement, St. John Lateran, and the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s sacred past.

You can check availability for your dates here: