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Christian Rome Tour: Discover Underground Treasures
5.0
5 Ratings
Roma
Uncover the hidden treasures of Christian Rome on a private half-day walking tour. Explore underground basilicas and learn fascinating facts about ancient churches.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Laterano Caffè - You meet the guide
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Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano - The Papal Archbasilica, the major archpriestal cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran, better known as the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, is, by definition, the “mother of all the churches in the world”, and represents the ideal among pagan era and Christian era.
The Basilica, which stands near Mount Celio, was built on the same site as the basilica built by Constantine, around 314, on land already owned by the noble Lateran family, from which the whole area takes its name. In his Annals, Tacitus recounts that the houses and lands owned by the Laterans were confiscated from them by the Emperor Nero after the conspiracy of the “Pisos”: the consul Plautius Lateran conspired, failing, against the emperor Nero who condemned him to death and he deprived him of goods and land, in favor of the Imperial Exchequer. -
Basilica of San Clemente - The Basilica of San Clemente in Laterano is one of the most interesting and ancient basilicas in Rome, built before 385 and dedicated to San Clemente, the third pope after Saint Peter.
It consists of two superimposed churches, built on top of Roman buildings from the Republican age and on the remains of a temple of the god Mithras.
On the left side of the facade is the bell tower, built between the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century.
The lower basilica preserves several frescoes, including the representation of the “Legend of Sisinno”, some fragments of the relics of Saint Cyril, evangelizer and inventor together with his brother Methodius, of the Glagolitic alphabet, from which the Cyrillic one was derived.
Going down to an even lower level, there are Roman buildings from the imperial age and a Mithraeum of which a marble altar is preserved with the representation of the killing of the bull by Mithras. -
Ss. Quattro Coronati - On the slopes of the Celio, there is one of the most impressive monuments, rich in history, art and spirituality of Rome: the monastery of the Santi Quattro Coronati.
Founded in the mid-5th century AD. on the remains of a Roman domus, it is one of the most important basilicas of Carolingian Rome. After so many centuries, its charm remains unchanged, so much so that the impression you get when you cross its threshold is that of immersing yourself in an ancient atmosphere suspended in time, far from the chaos and frenetic rhythms of the modern city.
The church, which takes its name from the tradition of the martyrdom of four Roman soldiers and five stonecutters, was completely rebuilt following the fire that devastated the city in 1084.
At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the building with the monks’ cells, the splendid cloister and the luxurious fortified cardinal’s palace were added to the original complex, the entrance of which is dominated by the massive Torre Maggiore. -
San Pietro in Vincoli - San Pietro in bonds was founded in the 5th century by the Empress Eudoxia, to guard the precious relic: the chain with which St. Peter, a prisoner in Jerusalem, had been tied, and which today is preserved under the high altar, and is displayed to the faithful on August 1st of each year. Rebuilt in the 8th century, further interventions on the façade and portico were made in the 1500s, while the interior was modified in the 18th century. In front of the church stands a portico with five arches supported by octagonal pillars which bear the coat of arms of Pope Julius II in the capitals. The interior of the basilica-shaped church is divided into three naves, separated by 20 Doric columns of Greek marble.
The Basilica is above all famous because, since 1545, it has hosted one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art: Michelangelo Buonarroti’s Moses, the colossal statue, sculpted in 1513, to decorate the funerary monument of Julius II.
What's Included
- 3 hours Professional guide
- Ticket skip the line Basilica San Clemente
- Emergency number also operational via whatsapp
What's Not Included
- Tips
Additional Information
Half-day walking tour of Christian Rome to discover the underground treasures of some of the most sensational churches. The tour begins in the Lateran area, whose name derives from the family that owned the territory where the first Popes resided before going to Avignon in France and then returning to Rome in the Vatican area. Visit to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the oldest of the four Papal Basilicas, considered “The Church of Rome”, the mother of all churches. The tour continues with a visit to the Basilica of San Clemente, the only church in Rome to be built on 3 different levels, from the 1st to the 12th century and you can explore the underground floors, including the 1st century Mithras Altar. Continue towards the Church of Santi Quattro Coronati, dedicated to four anonymous saints and martyrs. The visit ends with the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli renowned for the statue of Moses that Michelangelo created in 1545 for the tomb of Pope Julius II.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults
- Dress code is smart casual
- Please note: shorts, miniskirts and uncovered shoulders are not allowed in the basilicas
- Comfortable shoes are recommended
- A minimum of two people per booking is required
- Provide the Correct address of your accommodation , hotel, B&B
- Provide the correct phone number with international country code
- One day before please call to confirm the pick up
- check that you provide all the details to the agency
- Without this information we can not guarantee the correct service
- Time for pick up at the hotel must be confirmed the day before between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm on the emergency phone or whatsapp
- Entry to the basilicas requires appropriate clothing: shorts, miniskirts and bare shoulders are not permitted.
Location
Laterano Caffè
Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano
the guide meets the customer directly at the Lateran café with a sign
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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1 star
Pieter_v
Dec 10, 2023
We had a very nice tour... - We had a very nice tour with Fabio. Interesting tour to take to see more than the common highlights.
Review provided by Viator
Nadia_p
Oct 6, 2023
Wonderful guide! We learned a lot of interesting details about the history of Christianity in Rome - Very knowledgeable guide. We learned a lot about the history of Christianity in Rome, and saw some wonderful churches we would have never discovered on our own.
Review provided by Viator
Gilbert
Oct 28, 2019
Churches of the Past - This tour was one of the best we have taken while visiting Rome. Our guide, Lucy, presented an amazing journey to discover churches from various periods and why they were so important. She is extremely knowledgeable and answered our questions with patience. Her love of the city shows in her presentations and her wish to share that knowledge with the visitors. We discovered the wonders of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and moved on to several smaller churches, perhaps not as well known to the visitor but amazing to see. One of these churches being Basilica of St. Clement. The archaeological excavations at this location were breathtaking. Experiencing the underground segments really brought home the age of the structures. Lastly, seeing Michelangelo's Moses at the church San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) literally took our breath away. A most enjoyable adventure!!!
Review provided by Viator
Edwinbo7152sd
Dec 22, 2018
Great tour - Really nice tour with Lucilla, who did a great job. We were with only the two of us and Lucilla took all the time with great stories and backgrounds. This is not the ordinary tour through Rome and that is exactly what we looked for. Great experience. Thank you Lucilla!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
