Relics Tour: Holy Cross, Holy Stairs, St. John in Lateran
Enjoy a tour of the churches that host the most important Relics in Rome
Private Transportation
to the tour starting point
Pick-up at your hotel
If in Rome city center
Unique Christian sites
Professional Guides
Duration about 3 hours
Family Friendly Price
Tour information
Although Jesus Christ never came to Rome, the Eternal City became one of the most important centers of Christian relics thanks to several popes and, above all, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor.
Over the centuries, extraordinary relics connected to the Passion of Christ and the early Church were brought to Rome, transforming it into a major pilgrimage destination. But where can these relics be found today?
Join us on a fascinating journey through Early Christian, medieval, and Baroque Rome, as we explore some of the city’s most sacred sites and uncover the stories behind the relics of Jesus Christ.
Sights included
Basilica of the Holy Cross
- Relics of the Cross
- Relics of the Crown of Thorns
- Finger of St. Thomas
Holy Stairs
- Pray on the steps that Jesus Climbed
- Enter the “Sancta Sanctorum”
- Pray in the “holiest place in the world”
Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano: the first Basilica
- Relics of St. Peter and Paul
- Medieval Cloister
- Beautiful design by Borromini
Included in the Price:
- Pick-up at your hotel (if located in the city center)
- Private transportation to the tour starting point
- Entry Tickets
- Professional, Private Guides
1. Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme)
Our Relics Tour begins at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, one of the legendary Seven Churches of Rome and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world.
Inside a beautifully decorated chapel, precious reliquaries preserve some of the most venerated relics in Christianity, including fragments of the True Cross, two thorns from the Crown of Thorns, one of the Holy Nails, and the Titulus Crucis, the inscription placed above Christ’s head declaring him King of the Jews.
The basilica also houses the finger of St. Thomas the Apostle, known as “the Doubter.”
According to tradition, most of these relics were brought to Rome by St. Helena in the early 4th century. The basilica was built next to her imperial residence, and before construction, the entire area was covered with soil brought directly from Jerusalem. This is why its official name includes “in Jerusalem”: the church quite literally stands on Holy Land soil.
Restored and redesigned over the centuries, the basilica showcases a rich blend of Romanesque, Cosmatesque, and Baroque elements, making it both a spiritual and architectural treasure.
2. Basilica of St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano)
The tour continues to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, one of the four Papal Basilicas and the Cathedral of Rome. Often overlooked in favor of St. Peter’s, this is in fact the mother church of Christianity and the oldest basilica in the world.
As the seat of the Bishop of Rome, it houses the papal throne and holds exceptional symbolic importance. Above the Papal Altar, two busts of St. Peter and St. Paul are traditionally believed to contain relics of their skulls. Nearby, a precious silver reliquary preserves relics associated with the table of the Last Supper, though these are not directly visible.
We will also visit the magnificent medieval cloister, a masterpiece of harmony and decoration. San Giovanni in Laterano is not only a major religious landmark but also a striking example of how faith and art have shaped Rome for centuries.
3. Scala Sancta and Sancta Sanctorum
Crossing Piazza San Giovanni, we reach the final stop of our tour: the Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs. According to tradition, these twenty-eight marble steps were climbed by Jesus during his trial before Pontius Pilate and were brought to Rome by St. Helena.
Today the steps are protected by wooden coverings, and pilgrims ascend them on their knees as an act of devotion. At the top lies the Sancta Sanctorum, the former private chapel of the popes and considered the holiest place in medieval Rome.
Inside, you will see the ancient image of Christ known as the Acheropita, meaning “not made by human hands.” Tradition attributes the work to St. Luke, with an angel completing it. The Chapel of St. Lawrence in Palatio, with its remarkable frescoes and Cosmatesque floor, is one of the most moving sites in Rome.
For those who prefer not to climb the Holy Stairs on their knees, a regular staircase allows access to the upper level.
Stay and Pray
Our Relics Tour concludes here, giving you time to remain in prayer, explore the site further, or climb the Holy Stairs if you wish.
Book our Relics Tour and let us guide you through some of the most sacred places in Rome, where history, faith, and art come together in a truly unique experience.
Please note: the order of the sites may vary depending on logistical needs.
Why Choose Our Relics Tour
Tailored Experience:
Our Relics Tour is adapted to your interests, allowing for a thoughtful and meaningful exploration of Rome’s most sacred Christian sites.
Expert, Private Guides:
Your guide will lead you through the history of early Christianity in Rome, explaining the significance of the relics, the basilicas, and the traditions connected to them.
A Deeper Cultural & Spiritual Perspective:
Go beyond the surface and gain a clearer understanding of how faith, history, and art have shaped these extraordinary places over the centuries.
In-Depth Interpretation:
Rather than rushing through the sites, the focus is on understanding their importance, traditions, and symbolism.
Relics Tour Itinerary
Book Your Relics Tour Today!
Discover some of the most sacred Christian sites in the Eternal City on a carefully curated private tour focused on history, faith, and tradition.
Avoid large group visits and experience these places in a quieter, more reflective setting, guided by a professional expert who will explain the meaning of the relics, the basilicas, and their role in the history of Christianity.
Book your Relics Tour in Rome and explore a side of the city that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.
IMPORTANT INFO!
You MUST bring an ID, a passport or a driver’s license to enter the sights.
You MUST cover your shoulders and knees the enter the churches
Included in the Price:
- Pick-up at your hotel (if located in the city center)
- Private transportation to the tour starting point
- Skip-the-line tickets
- Professional, Private Guides
Relics Tour Price
Relics Tour
Holy Stairs, St. John Lateran, Holy Cross in Jerusalem-
Private Transportation
-
Pick up at your hotel
-
Entry Tickets
-
Professional Guides
79€
for additional adult
34€
for additional kid under 18
Contact Us!
If you want more info or to design a tailored tour!
Send us a message using the form below, contact us via WhatsApp or call us at +39 376 165 1457
BOOK NOW!
Through the booking calendar
Relics Tour. Holy Cross, Holy Stairs, St. John in Lateran
420,00 €