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Journey through an underground pagan temple and historic churches to explore early Christianity. See original relics from Christ's Crucifixion and soil from the Holy Land.

Highlights

• Enjoy the safety and intimacy of a small group of maximum 10 people
• Venture underground the Basilica of St. Clement through 3 archeological layers
• Find an ancient Mithraic Temple and an underground river
• Visit stunning proto-Christian churches with ancient frescoes and mosaics
• See the Holy Stairs, a nail from the Crucifixion and other Holy Relics

Description

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, make a 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.

Includes

Live professional guide Entrance fees to St. Clement's Undergrounds Headsets to hear the guide clearly Full on-site assistance

Important Information

• Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup and setup the headsets. This tour is not wheelchair-accessible. This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. Trolleys, large backpacks, and pets are not allowed inside the monuments This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund