Basílica de la Santa Cruz de Jerusalen (Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem), Rome
This basilica is one of the most important holy sites in Rome, both for its historical significance and its connection to the relics of Christ. Located on the eastern slopes of the Esquiline Hill, it dates back to the 4th century and was originally built by Emperor Constantine’s mother, Saint Helena, who is credited with finding the True Cross in Jerusalem.
The architecture blends elements of early Christian and Baroque styles. Its interior is richly decorated, with numerous frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures. The most famous of these is the Chapel of the Relics, housing the revered relics of the Passion of Christ. Among them are pieces of the True Cross, a fragment of the titulus (the inscription placed above Christ on the cross), nails, and a portion of the ladder used during the Crucifixion. These relics have made the church an important pilgrimage site for centuries.
The church has undergone several modifications and restorations over the centuries, including a significant Baroque renovation in the 17th century. The façade, however, still retains much of its original character. All in all, a significant site for both tourists and pilgrims, attracting those who come to see the relics and to admire beautiful art.
The architecture blends elements of early Christian and Baroque styles. Its interior is richly decorated, with numerous frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures. The most famous of these is the Chapel of the Relics, housing the revered relics of the Passion of Christ. Among them are pieces of the True Cross, a fragment of the titulus (the inscription placed above Christ on the cross), nails, and a portion of the ladder used during the Crucifixion. These relics have made the church an important pilgrimage site for centuries.
The church has undergone several modifications and restorations over the centuries, including a significant Baroque renovation in the 17th century. The façade, however, still retains much of its original character. All in all, a significant site for both tourists and pilgrims, attracting those who come to see the relics and to admire beautiful art.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Basílica de la Santa Cruz de Jerusalen (Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem) on Map
Sight Name: Basílica de la Santa Cruz de Jerusalen (Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Filmed entirely in the heart of Rome, Roman Holiday is one of those timeless films that beckons you to hop on a Vespa and lose yourself in the intoxicating beauty of the Italian capital. Released in 1953, this beloved classic has captured hearts across generations, thanks to its irresistible blend of romance, adventure, and charm-anchored by two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Audrey Hepburn and... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour
Rome has long played host to pilgrims-after all, it's home to the Pope, the Catholic Curia, and a treasure trove of relics linked to apostles, saints, and martyrs. Back in the day, the Via Francigena provided a straight shot for the faithful traveling from England to Rome. Upon arrival, it was tradition to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. When a Jubilee rolled around, the spiritual... view more
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.
The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain
An established tourist mecca, today's Rome is hardly imaginable without two of its much loved attractions – the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Magnets for tourists as they are, these two sights are connected to a number of other, not less worthy of attention locations, such as the Fountain of the Longboat or Piazza Colonna and its centerpiece, the Column of Marcus Aurelius, to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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