Rome Papal Basilicas Art and History Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rome’s four Papal Basilicas, where art, history, and spirituality come alive.
Your adventure begins at Piazza del Risorgimento, where our expert guide introduces the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over St. Paul’s burial site. Stroll through its serene cloisters and admire its majestic architecture as your guide unveils its centuries-old heritage.

Next, visit the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the Pope’s official seat and a landmark of faith and history. Just outside, experience the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus before Pontius Pilate, and learn about their spiritual significance.

The journey concludes at Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, in front of the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Inside, marvel at dazzling gold ceilings, intricate mosaics, and sacred relics as your guide shares captivating stories.

Meeting Point

Via Tunisi, 4

Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Meet at the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi.
Our City Wonders coordinators will be wearing a blue attire and carrying a flag for easy recognition.

What's included:

• Audio Headsets to Always Hear Your Guide
• All transfers in luxury, air-conditioned minivan
• Entrance and Visits to Rome’s Three Major Papal Basilicas
• English Speaking Expert Tour Guide

Not included:

• Gratuities
• Pick up / Drop Off

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Basilica Papale Di San Paolo Fuori le Mura

Piazzale di San Paolo 1a, Rome, 00146

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Furoi le Mura) is a majestic church built on the site of Saint Paul's burial, making it one of Rome's most significant pilgrimage destinations. This stunning basilica features a grand colonnaded courtyard, intricate mosaics, and portraits of all the Popes. Its peaceful interior houses the Apostle’s tomb and an awe-inspiring golden apse. The basilica is a testament to early Christian devotion, art, and architecture, offering visitors a profound spiritual and historical experience. Its serene ambiance and rich history make it an unmissable stop for those exploring Rome's sacred treasures.

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Piazza di Porta San Giovanni, 4, , Rome, 00184

The Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano), the Cathedral of Rome, is one of the most significant churches in Christianity and the official seat of the Pope. Known as the "Mother of all Churches," it features magnificent frescoes, towering statues of the apostles, and the revered Papal Altar. Adjacent to the basilica are the Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate. These sacred stairs, brought to Rome by Saint Helena, attract people from across the globe who ascend them on their knees in an act of devotion and penance. Together, the basilica and the Holy Stairs embody centuries of faith, history, and artistry.

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome is one of the city’s four papal basilicas and a masterpiece of early Christian art and architecture. Built in the 5th century, it boasts stunning mosaics, a gilded ceiling, and a relic of Christ's crib. Renowned for its grandeur and historical significance, it remains a vital pilgrimage site and a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary. It features stunning mosaics from the 5th century, a beautiful coffered ceiling gilded with the first gold brought from the Americas, and the Crypt of the Nativity, which houses relics believed to be from the original manger of Jesus.

45 minutes