ROME WALKING TOUR OF HOLY SITES: BASILICA OF THE HOLY CROSS IN JERUSALEM, SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO AND SCALA SANTA

Rome is a city of churches – you can hardly stroll around the streets without happening upon a basilica, a chapel, or a cathedral. In addition to the majestic Vatican City with St. Peter’s Cathedral, Rome houses over 900 churches, most of which are Catholic.

On this private walking tour you will explore some very important Holy sites of the capital and learn about Roman colorful religious history. You will see ancient tombs, saint relics and finest artworks housed in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and the Basilica of the Holy Cross and delve into legends and stories about the famous Holy Stairs. Your professional guide with art history background will bring the Christian past to vivid life with in-depth commentaries, reconstructions and multimedia tools.

You will start your tour from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome’s official cathedral and one of the city’s oldest places of worship. This monumental basilica is home to a wealth of art and relics. You will explore the interior, richly decorated with marble and gold and enjoy informative commentary from your guide about the history and artworks of the church.

Next, you will pass by the ancient city walls and one of the world’s tallest Egyptian obelisks and pause at the Scala Santa, a sacred marble staircase that’s set within a chapel building. Hear tales of the steps, which are believed to date back to biblical times, and learn how they were brought from the Holy Land to Italy by St. Helena.

At the end of the tour you will visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross, where vibrant Renaissance frescoes abound, and see remnants from the Holy Cross such as the nails and thorns among other revered relics.

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