Relics of Christ

About this tour

Join our guided tour and learn more about the spiritual and religious sights in Rome. Begin your tour at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, home to relics related to Jesus' birth. Admire the crystal and silver reliquary under the high altar, which contains pieces of wood venerated as the Holy Crib, or manger, where the infant Jesus was laid. Next, visit Santa Prassede to see a fragment of the Column of the Flagellation, the pillar to which Jesus was tied when he was scourged. Then, head to the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, considered the cathedral of Rome. Here, see wood from the table of the Last Supper, displayed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, and the purported heads of Sts. Peter and Paul, housed in reliquaries above the main altar. Visit the Santa Croce in Gerusalemme church, which houses the largest collection of Passion relics, traditionally brought to Rome by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. In the Chapel of the Relics, see fragments of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, one of the Holy Nails used in the Crucifixion, two thorns from the Crown of Thorns, the Titulus Crucis (the wooden inscription panel that hung above Jesus' head on the cross), and a fragment of the Holy Sponge used to offer Jesus vinegar. Located near the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, climb the 28 marble steps in the Scala Santa, believed to be the stairs Jesus climbed to reach the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. These steps were brought to Rome by St. Helena, and pilgrims traditionally ascend them on their knees.

What you'll see

Meeting point