Just across the street from St Mary Major is one of Rome’s hidden treasures in the form of the quiet and peaceful Basilica of St Praxedes. The basilica is named after the 1st century martyr, who along with her sister Pudentiana cared for and aided persecuted Christians here in the heart of the pagan Roman Empire. The relics of countless martyrs were brought to this site and hidden in a well, but the most extraordinary treasure in the Basilica of Santa Prassede is in fact the pillar against which the Lord Christ was scourged before His crucifixion. The column was brought to Rome from Jerusalem in the 13th century as a donation in gratitude for the Fourth Crusade. St Praxedes is also home to some of the earliest examples of Christian mosaic art.

Next stop as we make our way towards the Holy Stairs is the Church of St Alphonsus of Ligouri, the 18th century bishop and theologian. A comparatively unremarkable building from the outside—despite its unique neo-Gothic architecture—like so many of Rome’s churches, it hides a splendid interior as well as a priceless treasure for traditional Catholic pilgrims: the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, or in the east, Our Lady of the Passion.

Known as the Scala Sancta, these are the very same steps that Jesus ascended at the praetorium of the Roman Procurator in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate, to be condemned to death by crucifixion. Brought to Rome in the 4th century by the mother of the Emperor Constantine, St Helena, it is the pilgrim tradition to follow in the footsteps of Christ by climbing the steps on one’s knees. Please note however, that while we will see the Holy Steps on our tour, we will not have time to partake in the tradition, so those wishing to do so should organise a separate visit. No booking is necessary and entrance is free. We’ll also visit the Holy of Holies at the Church of the Holy Stairs, the inner sanctum historically accessed exclusively by the Pope, where a glimpse inside the tiny chapel reveals an acheiropoieta of the Lord Jesus—an icon by tradition begun by St Luke and finished by angels.

The Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran is the Mother Church of the World and the Seat of the Bishop of Rome, otherwise known as the Pope. The oldest and highest ranking of Rome’s four Major Basilicas, San Giovanni is also the site of one of the four Holy Doors that pilgrims will pass through during the Jubileum year for Partial Indulgence. A thoroughly mind-blowing sight to behold inside as well as out, the cathedral contains statues of all the Apostles, numerous papal tombs and the skulls of St Peter and St Paul, the Pillars of the Church.

The Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem is the climax of our tour and the location of the most important Relics of the Passion of Christ. Here inside this unique basilica, where crowds are rare despite the bustling chaos of the city outside, we are able to observe and venerate some of the most precious artefacts in Christendom. After Christianity was legalised, the mother of Emperor Constantine, St Helena, made pilgrimage to Jerusalem. With the blessing of the Bishop there, she brought back to Rome a section of wood from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, Holy Nails from the Crucifixion, thorns from the Crown of Thorns and the board that was hung above Him on the cross, bearing the sardonic inscription, “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews”. Also contained in the Basilica of Santa Croce is the finger of St Thomas, fragments from the cave of the Nativity and the Holy Sepulchre.