Rome: Underground Temples & Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour｜Italy

Start your tour in the magnificent Basilica of St. Clement and venture deep underground below its foundations. Journey through several layers of history and earth down to the ancient pagan temple underneath and gradually uncover the structures built on top of it.

Standing at a site of a Mithraic cult, find out about the backdrop of paganism and how that led to the Christian persecutions. Learn about St. Clement (the third pope after St Peter) whilst standing in the 1st-century structure that was once his home. See the same ancient underground bourn still running also below the Colosseum.

Journey higher into the 4th-century basilica, built on top of St. Clement’s house to admire the preserved ample spaces and frescoes and learn about the scenes and the lives of the martyrs they portray.

From there, venture into the impressive 12th-century basilica built on top of the 4th-century one. Marvel at the intricate golden mosaics and learn about the symbolism in them and how faith was communicated in the early church.

Having learned about paganism, the early persecutions and the martyrs, walk to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and find out why it is known as “Mother and head of all churches on Earth”. Be impressed by the beauty of the golden interior and the ancient frescoes and hear about Emperor Constantine and why he legalized Christianity in 313.

Learn about the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem to recover the artefacts, safeguarded by the early underground church in the Holy Land. Among those, see the Holy Stairs, the original stairs of the praetorium which Jesus climbed at his judgment.

Finally, walk to the church built with earth brought from the Holy Land, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and see the other Holy Relics secured by Helena including a nail from the Crucifixion, the walnut board Pontius Pilate put above the cross, as well as the wood of the Cross Jesus was crucified on. See also fragments of the wall from the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem and two thorns of the crown of the Passion of Christ.

Choose to extend your journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where stunning mosaics and sacred relics offer insight into the church's importance in Christian history.

Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged