Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme) Tours

One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme) houses several relics from the Holy Land brought to Rome around 325 AD. The relics are said to be parts of the cross from the Passion of Jesus Christ — carried from Jerusalem by the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine I, the St. Empress Helena. The church name comes from the Jerusalem soil that was laid on the floor of the basilica, as a way of moving part of the holy city to Rome. Though it was once the Palazzo Sessoriano, the palace of the St. Empress Helena, it was later converted into a small chapel.
It has since been renovated and restored over the centuries to its Baroque style facade that exists now. Today visitors can see three relics enshrined: pieces of the True Cross, a nail from the crucifixion, thorns from the crown, and small pieces of the tomb of Jesus and the Holy Sepulchre. There is also a full size replica of the Shrine of Turin.
Practical Info
The basilica is a short walk from San Giovanni in Laterano. It is free to enter.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome 00185, Italy
15 Tours and Activities to Experience Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme)
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Rome Walking Tour of Holy Sites: Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, San Giovanni in Laterano and Scala Santa
4
Seek out the religious gems of Rome on a 2-hour, small-group walking tour. In a group that’s limited to just 15 people, you’ll visit the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Scala Santa, and the Basilica of the Holy Cross with a guide. Hear stories about the sacred relics inside the monuments, and discover a side of Rome that many visitors miss.
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From
$123.74
Price varies by group size
From
$123.74
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Tour: Christian Rome
10
Step into the early days of Christian history on a private, 6-hour tour of Rome’s holy sites, and experience the city where Constantine, St. Peter and St. Paul lived and preached. Discover the 5th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of St. John Lateran and Pontius Pilate's steps, an important pilgrimage site. See millennia-old relics treasured by saints and Popes, then head to the below-ground Catacombs for a tour of the tunnels where generations of Christian martyrs were buried and remembered.
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From
$435.01
per group
From
$435.01
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Passion of Christ Walking Tour in Rome
23
View items related to the passion and death of Jesus Christ during this 3-hour tour in Rome. Visit the Basilica of St Mary Major to see fragments of the wood from the manger where Jesus was born and explore San Prassede, which features pieces of the pillar upon which Christ was flogged. At the Basilica of Santa Croce, see fragments of the true cross and a nail of the crucifixion. Along the tour, learn about the history of these sacred religious objects from your guide. All entrance fees are included.
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From
$83.78
Price varies by group size
From
$83.78
Price varies by group size

Private Tour: Holy Sites of Rome
8
Visit the major religious history sites of Rome on this private day tour. Visit the Basilica of Rome, Basilica of Saint Praxedis, and the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major, and learn the hidden secrets behind these important sites from your guide. You'll also get the chance to cross the threshold of the Holy Door in the Cathedral of Rome. Round-trip transportation from central Rome hotels is included.
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From
$360.90
Price varies by group size
From
$360.90
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Passion of Christ Private Walking Tour in Rome
1
Early Christian history enthusiasts will enjoy this tour of relics from the life of Christ. Visits include the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to view wood believed to be from Jesus’ manger; Santa Prassede, home to a fragment of the pillar on which Christ is said to have been flogged; and the Basilica of Santa Croce, containing what may be pieces of the cross and a nail from the Crucifixion. You can also walk up the Holy Stairs Jesus once descended.
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From
$122.45
From
$122.45

Roman Basilicas, Catacombs and Villa D'Este (Tivoli) Private Tour
1
As the home of the Pope and the Catholic Curia, as well as the locus of many sites and relics of worship, Christian martyrs, Rome had long been a destination for pilgrims. The Via Francigena was an ancient pilgrim route between England and Rome. Peter and Paul. For many visitors to Rome. Explore the incredible tunnels that were dug out by hand nearly 2,000 years ago and learn about the very beginning of Christianity. Masterpiece of the Italian Gardens, Villa D'Este is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. With its concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music
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From
$755.86
Price varies by group size
From
$755.86
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Villa D'Este (Tivoli) and Roman Basilicas Private Tour
Rome, the heart of Christianity, the seat of the Catholic Church, the place where history, faith, and art combine in a unique synthesis of majesty and beauty. The millennia of history of this city lives within each monument: basilicas, churches, catacombs. A journey through Christian Rome, Italy. and the Catholic curia, as well as the locus of many sites and relics of worship, Christian martyrs, Rome had long been a destination for pilgrims. Masterpiece of the Italian Gardens, Villa D'Este is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. With its concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music, it constitutes a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles.
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From
$562.21
Price varies by group size
From
$562.21
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private Tour: Basilicas of Rome
7
Go behind the scenes to discover the five major basilicas of Rome and learn about the influence of Christianity on the Eternal City during this in-depth private guided tour. Get a peek at priceless relics—believed to be thorns from Jesus’s crown—and marvel at Renaissance artworks and stunning architectural gems. Tours include free time for lunch and comfortable transfers in your own private vehicle—plus the option to explore the mysterious catacombs.
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From
$328.68
Price varies by group size
From
$328.68
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Bike Tour | The Seven Basilicas | Full experience to discover the Christian Rome
Explore off the beaten path religious landmarks with this guided bike tour. Follow your guide on an itinerary to see seven churches in Rome, including Santa Maria Maggiore, San Lorenzo Fuori Le Mura, and Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Learn about the history of Christianity in Rome away from the main touristic religious attractions.
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From
$92.80
From
$92.80

Walking tour for Christian Rome
In about three hours the Guide will show you the characteristics and will tell you the history of some of the most significant places of worship in the city. You will see the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, that of Santa Prassede, the church of Perpetuo Soccorso, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Holy Stairs, the Lateran Baptistery and the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, with precious relics brought to Rome by Santa Elena. An important stage that can be of faith or simply of historical-cultural enrichment.
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From
$75.74
From
$75.74
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Private Tour: Basilicas of Rome
Get a comprehensive overview of Rome's basilicas on this 7-hour private tour. Visit important sites in religious history such as St John in Latheran, the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and the Church Quo Vadis. Take advantage of the flexibility and personal attention that comes with booking a private tour; be sure to let your guide know if there are any sites you are particularly interested in. Round-trip private transportation from your Rome accommodation is included.
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From
$328.68
Price varies by group size
From
$328.68
Price varies by group size

Private Tour with guide & Luxury Car: Holy Churches of Rome
On our Holy Church of Rome tour, your personal chauffeur & expert theologian will escort you in a premium luxury vehicle to 3 out of the 4 Papal Basilicas, as well as the Basilica of Santa Croce. These four churches are on the “must see” list if you’re visiting Rome! The Basilica of Mary Major, also known as Our Lady of Snows, is home to the crib of the baby Jesus, is the largest Church to Mary in Rome. Afterwards you will get to see St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome which has the seat of the bishop of Rome, and St. Paul’s outside the Walls. In the Basilica of the Holy Cross, you will see many relics of the Passion of Christ, including pieces of the crown of thorns and the actual cross of Jesus. It is a truly holy and reverent experience with one of our top theologians to accompany you on this tour!
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From
$372.24
Price varies by group size
From
$372.24
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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All Access, Private Tour: Holy Churches of Rome with English speaking guide
Peter and Paul, two apostles of Christ, brought the message of Jesus to Rome, thereby making Rome the epicenter of the Christian faith. The writings and teachings of the apostles left an indelible mark on Roman history, inspiring Pontiffs and Emperors alike to build the finest churches in the Christian world. On this tour, our expert theologian will guide you through 4 of the 7 Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
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From
$223.35
Price varies by group size
From
$223.35
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Private Tour: Holy Churches of Rome with private chauffeur
On our Holy Church of Rome tour, your personal chauffeur will escort you in a premium luxury vehicle to 3 out of the 4 Papal Basilicas, as well as the Basilica of Santa Croce. These four churches are on the “must see” list if you’re visiting Rome! The Basilica of Mary Major, also known as Our Lady of Snows, is home to the crib of the baby Jesus, is the largest Church to Mary in Rome. Afterwards you will get to see St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome which has the seat of the bishop of Rome, and St. Paul’s outside the Walls. In the Basilica of the Holy Cross, you will see many relics of the Passion of Christ, including pieces of the crown of thorns and the actual cross of Jesus. It is a truly holy and reverent experience, and with no formal guide inside the churches, you'll have the freedom to explore the churches at your leisure, maybe even stop to pray or sit in silence to meditate on the years of history and art before you.
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From
$205.38
Price varies by group size
From
$205.38
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Rome: Underground Temples & Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour
Take a fascinating journey through an underground pagan temple and four impressive churches to understand the very early stages of Christianity. See original relics from the Crucifixion of Christ and soil from the Holy Land.
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From
$80.43
From
$80.43
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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