Relics of Christ Tour in Rome: Catholic Via Crucis

4.9 (28 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

28 reviews

4.9

Basilica of St Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), one of the four Major Basilicas of Rome — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Relics of the crib of the baby Jesus — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Follow the relics of Christ’s Passion across Rome on a 3–4-hour Catholic walking pilgrimage. Beginning at St Mary Major, visit St Praxedes, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Holy Steps and St John Lateran before reaching Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where relics associated with the Passion are venerated. An expert Catholic guide connects the sacred art, relics and traditions of each church with Scripture and the life of the Church. This shared tour is created for pilgrims seeking a distinctly Catholic experience rather than a purely secular sightseeing visit.

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At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 7 people
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian, English, French, Spanish
Operated by: Crucis Tours

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–15 years) · Adults (16–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Expert Catholic guide
Included: All Fees and Taxes

Not included

Not included: Guide tips
Not included: Private transportation

Itinerary

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

one hour

Begin at St Mary Major, one of Rome’s four Major Papal Basilicas and the city’s great Marian shrine. Venerate the relics of the Holy Crib, see Salus Populi Romani—attributed by Catholic tradition to St Luke—and discover fifth-century biblical mosaics and the tomb of Pope St Pius V.
Basilica di Santa Prassede

15 min

At St Praxedes, venerate the Column of the Flagellation, traditionally associated with the scourging of Christ. Discover the relics of early Roman martyrs and the basilica’s remarkable ninth-century mosaics, including the Chapel of St Zeno.
Stop 3

15 min

Visit the Church of St Alphonsus Liguori to see the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and, in the East, Our Lady of the Passion. Learn about the icon’s symbolism and its place in Catholic devotion.
Stop 4

30 min Admission included

Visit the Holy Steps, traditionally those climbed by Christ at Pilate’s praetorium and brought to Rome by St Helena. See the Sancta Sanctorum and the revered image of Christ attributed by tradition to St Luke and completed by angels. The tour does not include time to climb the steps on your knees; you may return separately.
Stop 5

30 min

Enter the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and Mother and Head of all the churches. Venerate the reliquaries of the heads of Sts Peter and Paul and see part of the table traditionally associated with the Last Supper. Discover the papal cathedral, the Apostles and the Holy Door; the next Jubilee of the Redemption is anticipated in 2033.
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

30 min

Conclude at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, founded around St Helena’s imperial residence and associated by tradition with the relics she brought from Jerusalem. Venerate relics of the True Cross, a Holy Nail, thorns from the Crown of Thorns and the Titulus Crucis, together with the finger of St Thomas and other relics from the Holy Land.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

By the fountain in front of the basilica. Please download WhatsApp so that we can communicate in real time in the event of any issues.

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End point

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Shoulders and knees must be covered inside places of worship. Please dress respectfully.
Because Rome’s churches are active places of worship, liturgical celebrations or other events may occasionally require an itinerary adjustment. Any material change will be communicated by email.
This is a 3–4-hour walking tour covering more than 2 kilometres. Summer heat can make it physically demanding; bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Not recommended for travellers unable to walk more than 2 kilometres.