From pagan Rome to Christian Rome

Rome, the city founded, according to ancient legend, by Romulus, on April 21, 753 BC, on the Palatine Hill, thanks to its military power and the cultural influences of the ancient Greek and Etruscan empires, little by little became the capital of the Roman Empire.

Christianity, despite having been born and developed in the region of Palestine, but within the political-cultural limits of the Roman empire, very quickly reached the capital.

We know that for three centuries, pagan Romans persecuted Christians, but legend has it that Emperor Constantine had a spiritual experience with Jesus and, finally, converted to Christianity and transformed it into a “lawful religion”, thus opening the doors for the growth of religion and also, contributing to the decline of pagan cults.

✅ This tour aims to take you on this journey through history: in the morning, we take a guided tour of the city of emperors, pagan Rome: the itinerary includes the Colosseum, the Palatine, the Imperial Forum and the Circus Maximus.

✅ In the afternoon, we will explore the city of the Popes, Christian Rome. The highlight will be the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which is the first great basilica of the Catholic Church in Rome. It is among the four “Greatest Basilicas”.

✅ We will also visit Sancta Sanctorum, a private, medieval papal chapel, attached to the Lateran Palace, where the famous “Holy Staircase” is located, which would be the 28 steps that led Jesus to Pontius Pilate for his trial. We will also observe the cloister, which is the only remaining part of the monastery that was next to the basilica. The construction is from the intermediate period between Romanesque and Gothic, dating from the 13th century.

Tour: every day.

Duration: 6h.

Departure time: 10am.

Meeting point: At the metro exit, line “B”, Colosseo, in front of a green kiosk.

Languages: Spanish.

Minimum Group: 1

POINTS VISITED

Colosseum, Palatine, Circus Maximus, Roman Forum, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Sancta Sanctorium Chapel, Holy Stairs.

WHAT DOES THE TOUR INCLUDE?

Guide (in Spanish or Portuguese) throughout the journey. Entrance to the Palatine, Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Lunch.

Entrance to the Basilica of Saint John in the Lateran, Sancta Sanctorum Chapel and Lateran Palace.

Minivan available in the afternoon (after lunch).