CHURCHES OF ROME TOUR: SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE, SANTA PUDENZIANA & SANTA PRASSEDE

Discover some of the capital’s religious treasures on this private tour with a professional art historian.

You will visit St. Pudenziana Church, Basilica di Santa Prassede and the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, which is a papal basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your professional guide will give you a unique glimpse into the religious history of Rome and show you priceless relics, finest frescoes and colorful mosaics that adorn these beautiful monuments. You will have the unique opportunity to see religious art and architecture and learn about the history of the churches, which dates as far back as the 4th century.

You tour will start with the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. With your expert guide you will head inside through one of the five doors and learn about the their history and the holy gate, which is opened during jubilees. You will enjoy the majestic interior of the church decorated with well-preserved mosaics from Roman times and discover the chapels of Pope Sixtus V and Pope Paul V, the paintings by disciples of Raphael and Michelangelo, the medieval relics, the tombs of pontiffs and the tomb of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of Rome's most famous baroque-era architects, whose work can be seen around the city.

Next, you will visit the Basilica of Santa Prassede, known for housing what is believed to be a segment of the pillar where Jesus was flogged. You will admire the unique mosaics of the church and learn more about the history of this sacred structure.

During your last stop you will discover the architecture and artwork of the St. Pudenziana Church. Dating back to the 4th century, this small Basilica is one of the oldest places of worship in Rome and home to the Early Christian mosaics from the Roman era. You will learn all about the complex iconography of these mosaics, the intricate techniques employed by the artisans who crafted them and the seismic impact they would have on the story of Christian art.

This tour books quickly, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for information and reservations at info@raphaeltours.com.