The Greater Basilicas of Rome

In 2016 this tour was offered but has since been removed. This was a special year of the jubilee so all the holy doors were chiselled open, they seal them with cement, and these 3 major churches were a must see if you wanted to pass through all 4 (the Vatican is the 4th of course).

Our first stop was the Arch-basilica of St. John Lateran (pictured above). The official seat of the Pope and the oldest of the Papal Basilicas. Built on the site of Emperor Constantine I’s battle over Maxentius, a victory he ascribed to the fact that he carried a flag with the Holy Cross on it. He converted to Christianity and donated the land to the Bishop of Rome as the site of the first Catholic Church.

After a short walk we arrived at the Scala Sancta, The Holy Stairs. These were the stairs Jesus climbed on his way to trial with Pontius Pilate. Brought here by St. Helena in 326 AD. People ascend the stairs on their knees while reciting the rosary. At the top is the Sancta Sanctorum where people say you can see an image of Jesus.

After a short bus ride we arrived at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. Founded by Emperor Constantine I, reportedly on the remains of St. Paul. Inside, the main hall was huge and open with pillars lining the sides (See below). At the end of the grand hall was an ornate gold mosaic above the altar of St. Paul. For a small donation, it would light up for you, so you could see it better. Each pope also has his portrait around of the tops of the walls in the cloisters.

Our last stop, after another short bus ride, was the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The oldest of Romes churches, dedicated to Mary, and built in the 5th century. We learned form our Colosseum tour guide that upstairs is a special section with extra large amoire’s containing past Pope’s vestments & Bernini’s hidden spiral staircase. Simply enter the gift shop and ask to go upstairs, for a small fee of course. You’ll also be able to go out on the balcony and get a close look at the golden winged angels and the piazza below.

This ended up being an afternoon well spent. Each basilica seemed more beautiful than the last. Going upstairs at Mary Maggiore was an unexpected bonus to end the day. Hopefully this tour will be brought back the next time the holy Doors are opened.