Early Roman Martyrs Pilgrim Tour Rome – Rome, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Our Early Roman Martyrs Pilgrim Tour focuses on the persecution of the first Christians in the pagan Roman Empire that ruled the known world at that time. Viewed as outsiders from society, secretive criminals who hid in the shadows, spreading the word of this seditious new cult, they were to demonstrate the power of Our Lord’s love through their ultimate devotion.

Having eventually travelled from the Holy Land to Rome after Jesus’ Ascension, Saints Peter and Paul together with the other apostles and disciples began to spread the seeds of the faith, often with their own blood. The Church, a synonym for community, began here in the very epicentre of the empire: Roma, Caput Mundi. It stands to reason therefore, that so many of the early Christian martyrs lived their lives, performed their deeds and died for their faith here in this “eternal” city.

Our tour fittingly begins in one of Rome’s most unusual churches, the 5th century St Stephen in the Round, not far from the Colosseum. Scholars of martyrology will note the name of the first ever Christian martyr, stoned to death for blasphemy in the year 34.

An immense circular shape, the interior of the basilica is lined with frescoes and testaments that depict the numerous brutal and sadistic ways in which the ancient Romans tortured and killed the early Christians, inducing immeasurable suffering so as to set an example to others.

Moving on, we’ll take a stroll on foot through the sublime Roman centro storico neighbourhood of Celio to another one of this city’s most charming and peaceful treasures, the Basilica of the Quattro Coronati.

Also dating back to the 5th century, Quattro Coronati literally translates as ‘Crowned Four’ and this exquisite complex is devoted to four anonymous martyrs from the late 3rd century. Thought to be Roman soldiers, their martyrdom is testament to the growing power of Christianity in that time.

With its tranquil courtyards, cloisters and chapel and unassuming exterior facade, it is easy to forget one is in the centre of Rome when visiting this idyllic place.

Our final location is of course the Basilica of St Clement, the fourth Pope and Bishop of Rome in the late first century. Situated in the shadow of the Colosseum, the Basilica of San Clemente bears testament to the journey of Christianity itself, from illegal underground cult to the official religion of the Roman Empire and beyond.

On three levels, we’ll first travel deep down into the archaeological digs carried out by the Irish Dominicans in the 19th century, where we’ll enter the humble 1st century home of St Clement (bizarrely, located right next door to a Mithraic shrine!). Above that we’ll explore the 4th century basilica, consecrated and converted into a church like so many public buildings of the time, before finally exploring the grand 11th century basilica that stands atop it all.

Our tour concludes here just a short walk from Colosseo metro.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Contemplate the lives and suffering of those who founded the early Church
See how their indomitable faith helped spread the word of God’s love
Learn the history of early Christians and their persecution at the hands of Nero
Explore a place of worship in the illegal, underground Christian community
Experience the sense of community born of expulsion and condemnation

Discover top places to stay, exciting tours, and unforgettable events in Italy, and popular cities like Amalfi, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pompei, and Rome.