Papal Basilicas Tour
Visit the basilicas of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. John, and St. Mary
Private Transportation
Pick-up & Drop-off at your hotel
Professional Guides
Great photo opportunities
Duration
about 5 hours
Activity level
moderate
Sights included
– Canopy by Bernini
– Tomb of St. Peter
– 13th century mosaic masterpiece on the ceiling of the Apse
– mosaic papal portraits
– Moving painting of the Virgin Mary
(Salus Populi Romani:The Protectress and Health of the Roman People
– Great architecture and decoration
– Medieval Cloister
– Beautiful deign by Borromini
Tour Description
With the Holy Year upon us, to be officially opened by Pope Francis on December 24, 2024, join us during this exciting event on a private tour of the four Papal Basilicas which form part of the seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome!
1. The Basilica of St. Peter
Probably the best-known basilica world-wide and at the heart of the Catholic Church, it was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine right above the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope.
It was then entirely rebuilt by Pope Julius II.
The construction lasted 120 years, and the consecration of the new, gargantuan church, took place in 1626.
It is one of the holiest shrines in the Catholic world.
Whether you are religious or not, you cannot help but be left in awe by its architecture and sprawling dome, lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture, and gilding.
It plays host to Michelangelo’s Pietà as well as Bernini’s impressive Baroque sculpted bronze canopy, immediately underneath the dome and the high altar below.
The canopy is entirely covered with gold decoration, marble, and mosaics, and it’s an impressive masterpiece of Italian architecture.
Your guide will give you a full explanation of St. Peter’s Basilica from the outside, and then you’ll have some free time to explore it on your own, take your time for pictures, and pray.
Then, you’ll meet your guide again and you’ll continue the tour.
2. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary)
While located within the Italian state, this Basilica actually belongs to the Holy See and sits on one of Rome’s famed seven hills, the Esquilin, originally built by Pope Liberius in the 4th century.
The current structure was built under Pope Sixtus III between 432 and 440 in honour of Mary who was acclaimed the Holy Mother of God in 431.
Pope Francis is a frequent visitor to the Basilica, often to visit the Salus Populi Romani; an image of Mary and Christ, believed to have arrived in Rome from Crete in the year 590 AD during the Pontificate of Pope St. Gregory the Great, which legend has it, was painted by Saint Luke himself.
The Basilica is the burial place of many popes, great artists, royals, and other important historical figures.
Incredible artworks, statues, and early Christian mosaics adorn the building including the Crypt of the Nativity or Bethlehem Crypt, with a crystal reliquary designed by Giuseppe Valadier said to contain wood from the Holy Crib of the nativity of Jesus Christ.
3. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John)
As we work our way around, we arrive in San Giovanni.
It is the cathedral of Rome, and considered the most important basilica in the world, even more so than St. Peter’s.
It was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, but re-designed and rebuilt several times over the years.
This imposing structure, dominated by massive statues of Christ, St. John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and the twelve Apostles is a superb example of late-Baroque Classicism and a must for anyone interested in architecture.
The inside, designed by the genius architect Borromini, is enriched with beautiful statues.
Above the papal altar, we find a Gothic canopy that contains the relics of the heads of Saints Peter and Paul.
The ceiling is decorated with gold, while the floor is paved with ancient Roman marble
It is officially considered the most important basilica in the world, as it’s the first one built by Emperor Constantine right after he defeated his rival Maxentius, and legalized Christianity in 313 AD.
The area around the Basilica of St. John is also breathtaking; behind the church, you can admire the biggest Egyptian obelisk in the world, a 3600 years old artwork brought to Rome by the son of Constantine in the 4th century.
4. The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
The fourth Papal Basilica we reach with our driver was built on top of the tomb of St. Paul, which lies underneath the main altar.
This basilica was also founded by Emperor Constantine, then rebuilt on a much bigger scale over the centuries.
Yet again adorned with incredible mosaics, dramatic statues, and rich history, this church is not only second in size to St. Peter’s, but it’s even older!
The tour includes a visit to the gorgeous Medieval cloister, decorated with marvelous ancient Roman and Medieval artworks.
At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel, or wherever you prefer in Rome city center.
Make your Jubilee special and book our Papal Basilicas Tour.
You will comfortably see the most important churches in the world, have a professional tour guide at your service, and admire some unforgettable relics and artworks.
*The order of the sights visited might change because of tickets’ availability and other circumstances.
The churches in Rome don’t offer a skip-the-line service, but we’ve planned the tour so that you’ll be able to enter as fast as possible.
Your shoulders and knees must be covered to enter all the churches.
You MUST bring an ID, a passport or a driver’s license to enter the sights.
This tour is for up to 6 travelers. If your group is bigger, please contact us.
59 € per additional adult
29 € per additional kid under 18
a private driver for the whole time
If in Rome city center
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or call us at +39 376 165 1457 Tour Itinerary
Italian ArtVentures' Feedbacks
Your guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. They made the history accessible and enriching.
You covered every detail, down to lunch reservations, business class train tickets and wonderful air-conditioned transportation with friendly drivers!
Thank you again for all the e-mails to develop a personalized itinerary for a special trip! We give you 5 1/2 stars on a 5 star scale!
