Relics of Christ Tour in Rome: Catholic Via Crucis

Highlights

• Walking pilgrimage
• Expert Catholic guide
• Churches and relics

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

   1h

   Begin at St Mary Major, one of Rome’s four Major Papal Basilicas and the city’s great Marian shrine. Venerate the relics of the Holy Crib, see Salus Populi Romani—attributed by Catholic tradition to St Luke—and discover fifth-century biblical mosaics and the tomb of Pope St Pius V.

2. 2

   Basilica di Santa Prassede

   15min

   At St Praxedes, venerate the Column of the Flagellation, traditionally associated with the scourging of Christ. Discover the relics of early Roman martyrs and the basilica’s remarkable ninth-century mosaics, including the Chapel of St Zeno.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   15min

   Visit the Church of St Alphonsus Liguori to see the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and, in the East, Our Lady of the Passion. Learn about the icon’s symbolism and its place in Catholic devotion.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30min

   Visit the Holy Steps, traditionally those climbed by Christ at Pilate’s praetorium and brought to Rome by St Helena. See the Sancta Sanctorum and the revered image of Christ attributed by tradition to St Luke and completed by angels. The tour does not include time to climb the steps on your knees; you may return separately.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   30min

   Enter the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and Mother and Head of all the churches. Venerate the reliquaries of the heads of Sts Peter and Paul and see part of the table traditionally associated with the Last Supper. Discover the papal cathedral, the Apostles and the Holy Door; the next Jubilee of the Redemption is anticipated in 2033.

6. 6

   Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

   30min

   Conclude at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, founded around St Helena’s imperial residence and associated by tradition with the relics she brought from Jerusalem. Venerate relics of the True Cross, a Holy Nail, thorns from the Crown of Thorns and the Titulus Crucis, together with the finger of St Thomas and other relics from the Holy Land.

Before you go

Location