Basilicas & Secret Underground Catacombs Half-Day Tour

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Duration: 3h
Location: Rome, Italy | Rome, Italy


Category: Tours & Sightseeing

Highlights:
Visit to 2 of the Christian world's most important churches
Famous Holy Stairs of the St. John in Lateran Basilica
Unforgettable underground labyrinth of catacombs
Sarcophaguses & ancient ruins housed beneath the city
Exploration of the ancient Appian Way

Inclusions:
Guided tour of Roman Basilicas and the Catacombs
Admission to the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Roman Catacombs
Hotel pickup
Transportation

Description:

Enjoy a journey through the ancient streets of Rome to explore the Basilicas and Catacombs less-traversed by the usual tourist trail. Visit the important Christian Basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John in Lateran before walking through the hidden, eerie underground cemeteries of the Catacombs.

Start your afternoon with a visit to the magnificent Basilica of St. John Lateran. Built before all other churches in the city, it holds the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope and is Rome's official cathedral church. In terms of importance to the Catholic religion, this Basilica ranks above any other in the world. Explore the opulently decorated interior and marvel at the impressive nave and climb the Scala Sancta (or Holy Steps), which according to Catholic tradition, are the steps that Jesus Christ climbed during the Passion.

Visit the largest of the 4 official major basilicas in Rome, the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The treasures housed within this incredible church include its 5th-century mosaics and an iconic statue of the Virgin Mary.

Later, travel along the ancient Appian Way to visit the underground catacombs. With over 185 miles (300 km) of tunnels, this secret subterranean world is an early cemetery and an ancient hiding place of Christians. Hear the history of how Christians would hide out in this once-peaceful sanctuary to worship because the religion was banned in the city of Rome.