Roman Martyrs Catholic Tour – Explore the Relics and the Stories of the Earliest Persecuted Christians
The Crucis Roman Martyrs Catholic Tour explores the lives of the very first victims of the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians. From the advent of Christianity following the Resurrection until its practice was legalised by the Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century, followers of this perceived subversive new religion were made examples and scapegoats of, most notably by Nero following the Great Fire of Rome in 64AD.
On this eye-popping tour, not for the faint-hearted, we’ll revisit the grisly deaths of those who paid the ultimate price for their Christian faith in the centre of a brutal pagan world, with the fascinating array of vivid frescoes.
From there, you will descend down the hill to the ancient church of Quattro Coronati to learn of the ancient tradition of the 4 Crowned Martyrs, and absorb the huge fresco of the apse – all expertly explained by your entertaining guide.
Finally this Catholic tour also explores the exciting underground archaeological excavations of the 1st century house of St Clement – the 4th Pope – as a stunning climax to the backdrop of the martyrdoms. Although you will begin in the 1st century depths, you will then venture up to the 4th century Basilica above where your guide will explain the architecture, the symbolism and the stories behind the ancient frescoes adorning the walls.
From there, you will continue higher to the jaw-dropping 12th century Basilica built above which houses the relics of St Clement and the Apostles of the Slavs – Sts Cyril & Methodius. Your personal guide will then explain the arrangement of the sanctuary before explaining the amazing symbolism of the ancient beautiful mosaic that mesmerises the viewer.
There are lots of nice restaurants in the area for you then to relax and contemplate the tour with a nice lunch. The Coliseum is also just a stones throw away for those who have an afternoon tour at this famous arena.
If you’re interested in our Roman Martyrs Tour, also check out our Rome Christian Catacombs Tour, our Early Christianity Tour or our flagship best selling tour – the Via Crucis Catholic Tour.
To learn more about the Catholic faith, visit Crucis.cc.
| MEETING POINT | Outside the Basilica of St Stephen in the Round (Santo Stefano Rotondo) in Rome’s historical centre. See precise location on Google Maps or What3Words. | ||||
| END POINT | Basilica of St Clement (San Clemente), near the Colosseum. | ||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | 9.00am Wednesdays. | ||||
| DURATION | Approx. 3 hours. | ||||
| DRESS CODE | Comfortable clothing, covering shoulders and knees. | ||||
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Additional information
| Ticket Type | Adult (16+), Student ID, Child (under 16) |
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Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round (Santo Stefano Rotondo)
Our tour begins at what is undoubtedly the most extraordinary church in Rome with regards martyrology, where frescoes line the walls depicting the multitudinous ways in which the Romans made early Christians suffer, so as to set an example to others.
Santi Quattro Coronati
Basilica of St Clement (San Clemente)
For those who fear that the full Roman Martyrs walking tour may be a little too arduous, it is possible to join us just for this final phase, simply by booking the more snack-sized, 1-hour Crucis Rome Underground Basilica of St Clement Tour.
Outside the Basilica of St Stephen in the Round (Santo Stefano Rotondo).
Tour Reviews
Amazing tour that really opened my eyes to the horrific cruelty inflicted on the earliest Christians and their immense bravery, fortitude and love for Christ. I found it extremely humbling – especially the jaw dropping frescoes in the round church. Highly recommend this tour but perhaps not one for small children.
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