As Christians visiting Rome, we’ve made a point of exploring Christian sites around the city center during our visits there. It’s helped us connect to our religion and to understand the complex Christian past in Rome. There are many important sites to explore and the best way to see them is by taking a guided or private Rome Christian tour.
Check out our favorite Christian tour in Rome right here.
Christian Sites to See in Rome
Vatican City
The Vatican is the heart of Christianity and the world’s smallest independent city-state. It is home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and most important church in Christendom. Visitors can marvel at its breathtaking architecture, religious artifacts, and Michelangelo’s stunning dome and Pietà sculpture. The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art, including the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Papal Basilicas
Apart from St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome boasts three other major papal basilicas: St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Each basilica has unique historical and architectural significance and contains remarkable religious artworks and relics.
Catacombs
Christian tours often include visits to the catacombs, underground burial sites used by early Christians during periods of persecution. The Catacombs of San Callisto, Domitilla, and Priscilla are among the most visited, providing insights into early Christian burial practices and artwork.
Pilgrimage Sites
Rome is home to various pilgrimage sites, such as the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), believed to be the steps climbed by Jesus during his trial in Jerusalem. Pilgrims ascend the stairs on their knees as an act of devotion.
Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs
This basilica, located near Termini train station, is dedicated to Christian martyrs and contains the Meridian Line, designed by Francesco Bianchini and commissioned by Pope Clement XI. The line traces the sun’s movement through the sky and was used to determine the date of Easter.
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo
This church houses important artworks, including two paintings by Caravaggio, and contains the Cerasi Chapel with stunning frescoes by Raphael.
Appian Way
The ancient Appian Way holds historical and Christian significance. It was a crucial road during the Roman Empire and is lined with Christian catacombs and ancient churches.
Pilgrimage Audience with the Pope
Some Christian tours in Rome may include opportunities to attend a Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square, where visitors can see and listen to the Pope delivering blessings and teachings.
The Best Christian Tour in Rome
Christian tours in Rome offer the opportunity to explore the city’s deep religious history and its significance as the center of Roman Catholicism. These tours typically focus on visiting churches, basilicas, catacombs, and other sites associated with Christianity, providing insights into the faith’s evolution and impact on Rome’s culture and architecture. The best way to see these is to book a private guide.
Private Tour of Rome’s Christian Sites
This is the Christian tour that we recommend while in Rome. This private, 6-hour tour of Rome’s sacred sites will allow you to immerse yourself in the early days of Christian history. Walk in the footsteps of historical figures like Constantine, St. Peter, and St. Paul, who once lived and preached in this holy city.
Explore the 5th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the revered steps of Pontius Pilate, a significant pilgrimage destination. Witness millennia-old relics cherished by saints and Popes, and then descend into the underground Catacombs, where generations of Christian martyrs found their eternal rest and remembrance.
It’s essential to choose a reputable tour company or guide that specializes in Christian tours to ensure a comprehensive and meaningful experience. The guides typically provide historical and religious context to help visitors understand the significance of each site within the context of Christianity. Whether you’re a devout Christian or someone interested in history and art, these tours offer a unique and enriching experience in the heart of Christian heritage.
