Rome - To Stay
Rome - To Do
Rome - To Eat
Rome - To Do
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Saint Helena who brought back the True Cross and soil.
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*Saint Helena depicted on the Left, often seen with carrying the holy cross.*.png)
*The story depicted in Mosaic in the ceiling art above.*Three crosses were found and the true cross was tested when a miracle occurred when one was touched (A wick woman healed / a dead person being restored to life), revealing which cross was believed to be the True Cross of Jesus.
Click here for ABBA location of Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
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While Saint Peter led the Church in Rome, Paul became known as the "Apostle to the Gentiles." one of the greatest apostles and missionaries of the early Church.
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Once a zealous Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Saul's life changed forever after an encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. Renamed Paul, he became one of Christianity's greatest missionaries and authors of many New Testament letters.
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*Pictured left, Saint Paul holding his sword
*Pictured Top right, looking from Left to right, Pope Leo XIV 2025-Present
Pope Francis 2013-2025 (Buried in Saint Mary Major)
Pope Benedict XVI 2005-2013 (Buried in Vatican Grottoes beneath Saint Peter's)
Pope John Paul II 1978-2005 (Also buried in St.Peter's Basilica)*.png)
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*Beautiful artworks are done in Mosaic*
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*Pope Honorius III (12-16-1227) who ordered this work of is portrayed robed in a white chasuble worn by the priest at mass and prostrates himself at the right foot of Christ.
Pictured Top right is Saint Peter, the First pope.*
4. Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls - Early Christians & persecution
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*The stained glass window of Saint Mary Major is a modern masterpiece (1995)
by János Hajnal.*
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*Salus Populi Romani is famous because it has been Rome's "guardian" icon for centuries. Popes have prayed before it in times of crisis, millions of pilgrims have sought Mary's intercession there, and Pope Francis' lifelong devotion to it brought renewed attention to this ancient image.
*During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Pope Francis had the icon brought to St. Peter's Square for a special prayer service asking for an end to the pandemic*.png)
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*The High Alter with the Holy crib located below.*.png)
*The great mosaic behind the High Altar of Saint Mary Major depicts the Coronation of the Virgin. Created in 1295, it shows Jesus crowning Mary in Heaven, surrounded by angels and saints, making it one of the finest medieval mosaics in Rome.*
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*Pope Francis known for being a pope of humility, mercy and outreach.
*Pope Francis visited Singapore from Sept11-13 2024. He passed on 21April2025*
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Mother Mary is often depicted wearing a blue mantle (symbolizing purity, heaven, and royalty) over a red garment (representing her humanity and love). She is frequently shown standing on a crescent moon, representing her victory over darkness, and sometimes crushing a serpent, symbolizing victory over sin and evil through Christ. A dove may appear above her to represent the Holy Spirit, while a crown of twelve stars signifies her role as Queen of Heaven and her connection to God's people throughout salvation history.
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The pilgrimage of the ‘Seven Churches’, originally conceived by St Philip Neri in the 16th century, is one of the oldest Roman traditions. It involves a walk of about 25 km which snakes through the whole city, reaching out to the Roman countryside, the catacombs and with stops at some of Rome’s magnificent basilicas.
ABBATips:
- Buses can use contactless credit card. Just tap-in. No need for tapping off. Tap in when you transfer as well as its no additional charge within 100mins of travel.
- Transport timings in Rome are more of a suggestion and wildly varies as its often subject to the congested roads and traffic jams.
- Dress Appropriately in holy spaces. Ideally NO short shots and exposure of shoulders. Most of the churches observed did provide a shawl or cloth to cover up whilst visiting.
- Free water everywhere! Safe to drink, and cold because of the underground system. To drink like a fountain, one can block the outlet and a small hole shoots out water like a fountain for you to consume.
- Arriving early at Churches as you get the opportunity to attend or witness a service and really enjoy the quiet without any of the crowds.
- Buses can use contactless credit card. Just tap-in. No need for tapping off. Tap in when you transfer as well as its no additional charge within 100mins of travel.
- Transport timings in Rome are more of a suggestion and wildly varies as its often subject to the congested roads and traffic jams.
- Dress Appropriately in holy spaces. Ideally NO short shots and exposure of shoulders. Most of the churches observed did provide a shawl or cloth to cover up whilst visiting.
- Free water everywhere! Safe to drink, and cold because of the underground system. To drink like a fountain, one can block the outlet and a small hole shoots out water like a fountain for you to consume.
- Arriving early at Churches as you get the opportunity to attend or witness a service and really enjoy the quiet without any of the crowds.
- Check opening times! Although most churches are open all day some have siestas (mid-afternoon breaks and maybe quite long). For e.g. attractions like Sebastian's catacombs are closed on Mondays, or the Scala Santa closed (130-3pm)
- Items purchased from the gift store need to be blessed before leaving. So remember to get your items blessed after purchase by the priests. Ask around and they'll point you in the right direction.
- Items purchased from the gift store need to be blessed before leaving. So remember to get your items blessed after purchase by the priests. Ask around and they'll point you in the right direction.
Significance of the number Seven?
In Catholic symbolism, seven means "the fullness of God's action", God's grace fully given, and the complete journey of faith. That is why there are seven sacraments, seven gifts, seven deadly sins, and many other groups of seven in Catholic tradition.Day One - Arrival Day Eastern Churches
1. Papal Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran - The Church's Authority
(Majesty & History. Best Known for the 12 enormous statues of the Apostles)
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*The interior with the 12 Apostles which stand about 4.25m (1/1/2 story house tall)*
(Majesty & History. Best Known for the 12 enormous statues of the Apostles)
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*The interior with the 12 Apostles which stand about 4.25m (1/1/2 story house tall)*
This is the actual cathedral of the Bishop of Rome - The Pope and not St.Peter's Basilica. Above transcribes, "The Mother and Head of all the churches of the City and of the World."
Saint John is dedicated actually to two saints, Saint John the Baptist and the Evangelist.
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*Saint Peter with the Keys to Heaven during service.*Outstanding features here are the 12 enormous statues of the Apostles. Saint Peter holds the keys to Heaven while Saint Paul carries a sword, symbolizing both the Word of God and his martyrdom (To suffer in death than to give into others belief)
Click here for ABBA location of Papal Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
Saint John is dedicated actually to two saints, Saint John the Baptist and the Evangelist.
Saint John the Baptist
(Looking up on the Left holding Cross Staff)
The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing Him in the Jordan River. (Looking up on the Left holding Cross Staff)
Saint John the Evangelist
(Standing to the right of Jesus, Beardless young man)
One of the 12 Apostles
One of Jesus' closest apostles, traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, who remained faithful at the foot of the Cross and later cared for the Virgin Mary.(Standing to the right of Jesus, Beardless young man)
One of the 12 Apostles
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*A play on light at the morning service.*
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*Saint Thomas pictured right, famous for being Doubting Thomas, who did not believe that Jesus had resurrected unless the see the mark of the nails in His hand, he would not believe. However in India he's known as Thomas the seeker. The interpretation of the gospel is that he was seeking the truth of the news of the resurrection of Christ, that's why he was not there in the room when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. His tomb is in Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Chennai, India. He's the only apostle who travelled this far and was martyred in Mylapore, Chennai in 72AD."
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*Saint Peter with the Keys to Heaven during service.*
Click here for ABBA location of Papal Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
2. Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem - Christ's sacrifice
(13min walk from Scala Santa & Saint John Lateran)
(Simplicity and reverence, focusing on faith.
Known for standing on Jerusalem soil and famous to have the crucifix relics.)
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(13min walk from Scala Santa & Saint John Lateran)
(Simplicity and reverence, focusing on faith.
Known for standing on Jerusalem soil and famous to have the crucifix relics.)
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The basilica is best known for preserving relics traditionally associated with Christ's crucifixion.
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You maybe interested to know that Notre Dame houses the crown of thorns.
The chapel containing the relics was built over this sacred soil from Jerusalem, allowing pilgrims to symbolically stand on the ground of the Holy Land without leaving Rome.
The chapel containing the relics was built over this sacred soil from Jerusalem, allowing pilgrims to symbolically stand on the ground of the Holy Land without leaving Rome.
Saint Helena who brought back the True Cross and soil.
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*Saint Helena depicted on the Left, often seen with carrying the holy cross.*
Helena went to Jerusalem as an elderly woman, seeking the memory of Christ. She returned carrying relics of His Passion, and transformed her Roman palace into a piece of he Holy Land making Jerusalem present in Rome for all future pilgrims.
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*The story depicted in Mosaic in the ceiling art above.*
Click here for ABBA location of Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa)
(Not part of the seven, but located just beside Saint John Lateran)
(Not part of the seven, but located just beside Saint John Lateran)
(Closed from 1.30-3pm.)
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The Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Rome. According to Christian tradition, these are the very steps that Jesus climbed during His trial before Pontius Pilate.
The 28 marble steps are believed to have been part of Pontius Pilate's palace in Jerusalem. Tradition holds that Jesus walked up them on his way to be sentenced to death. (There's no time limit to the steps but we took about 15mins or so to go up).
The only way to go up the steps is on your knees. If one's unable to their are side stairs where you can walk up to the top to. No photography allowed. .png)
Worshipers often climb on their knees up the steps. Rather than focusing on finishing all 28 steps quickly, it's an opportunity to accompany Jesus in prayer on His journey to the Cross.
Click here for ABBA location of Scala Santa
Day Two - Southern Pilgrimage
3. Papal Basilica of Saint Paul *Outside the Walls - Mission to the world
(Peace and elegance, creating serenity and contemplation.
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*Saint Paul stands in the magnificent court yard.*.png)
*Saint Peter on the left with the keys to heaven.*
(Peace and elegance, creating serenity and contemplation.
It is known for being the burial site of one of the greatest Apostle, Saint Paul & features mosaics of every pope from Saint Peter to now.)
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*Outside the Walls means the church was built outside the ancient Aurelian Walls of Rome as in the past, Roman law prohibited burials inside the city walls. Early Christians buried martyrs in cemeteries and catacombs outside the city, and many churches were later built over their tombs.
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*Saint Paul stands in the magnificent court yard.*
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*Saint Peter on the left with the keys to heaven.*
Saint Paul
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Every pope is represented by portrait medallions, beginning with Saint Peter and continuing to the present day. As each new Pope is elected, a new portrait is added, making it a fascinating visual timeline of nearly 2,000 years of papal history.
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*Pictured left, Saint Paul holding his sword
*Pictured Top right, looking from Left to right, Pope Leo XIV 2025-Present
Pope Francis 2013-2025 (Buried in Saint Mary Major)
Pope Benedict XVI 2005-2013 (Buried in Vatican Grottoes beneath Saint Peter's)
Pope John Paul II 1978-2005 (Also buried in St.Peter's Basilica)*
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*Beautiful artworks are done in Mosaic*
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*Pope Honorius III (12-16-1227) who ordered this work of is portrayed robed in a white chasuble worn by the priest at mass and prostrates himself at the right foot of Christ.
Pictured Top right is Saint Peter, the First pope.*
Catacombe di San Callisto
(Visited in-lieu of Saint Sebastian catacombs as they were closed on Monday)
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*€10/pax. Guided tour only. No pictures or videos allowed inside.*
(Visited in-lieu of Saint Sebastian catacombs as they were closed on Monday)
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The underground cemetery contains about 20 km of tunnels across 4 levels, reaching depths of around 20 meters below ground. Inside, the temperature remains a cool and constant around 16°C. Tour last for about 45mins and gives a quick over view and highlights some key points of interest. No photography or videography allowed inside.
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It was the official cemetery of the Church of Rome and the burial place of around half a million Christians, including many martyrs and 16 early popes.
Click here for ABBA location of Catacombe di San Callisto
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It was the official cemetery of the Church of Rome and the burial place of around half a million Christians, including many martyrs and 16 early popes. Click here for ABBA location of Catacombe di San Callisto
(Silence and pilgrimage -
Known for its catacombs that once housed St Peter and Paul.
Closed on Monday)
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Known for its catacombs that once housed St Peter and Paul.
Closed on Monday)
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It sits above one of Rome's oldest catacombs and once safeguarded the relics of Saints Peter and Paul (before the basilica was built) They depict how early Christians worshipped in secret during persecution. This is one of the most "authentic" early Christian sites in Rome.
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A Roman soldier who secretly supported persecuted Christians and, after surviving an execution by arrows, boldly confronted the emperor again, ultimately giving his life as a martyr for his faith. Thus he is remembered as a symbol of courage, perseverance, and steadfast faith.
Click here for ABBA location of Basilica of Saint Sebastian
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Saint Sebastian
(Patron Saint of Athletes, archers and soldiers)
(Patron Saint of Athletes, archers and soldiers)
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Click here for ABBA location of Basilica of Saint Sebastian
Day Three - Vatican & Central Churches
5. Papal Basilica of Saint Peter - The Apostles & The Pope
(Awe and grandeur - The heart of Chatolicism and stands at the centre of the Church built over Saint Peter's Tomb, the First pope.)
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*Queues at 650am in the morning. Attendees to the 7am mass.*
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*Timothy P. Schmalz titled “Be Welcoming”, a beautiful optical illusion.*
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*The sheer size of the entrance into the world's largest church.*
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*A beautiful Holy Water Font*
(Awe and grandeur - The heart of Chatolicism and stands at the centre of the Church built over Saint Peter's Tomb, the First pope.)
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*Queues at 650am in the morning. Attendees to the 7am mass.*
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*Timothy P. Schmalz titled “Be Welcoming”, a beautiful optical illusion.*
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*The sheer size of the entrance into the world's largest church.*
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*A beautiful Holy Water Font*
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is the most famous church in Christianity and one of the largest churches in the world. It stands at the heart of Vatican City and is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide.
St Peter Basilica represent the symbolic heart of Catholicism.
Click here for original posting of Saint peter and Sistine Chapel tour 10Oct2016.
Click here for posting of second visit toe Saint Peter's. 11Apl2017
+ A photo journey through a new lens of view from 31Mar2024 +
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*Crowd seen here at 930am*
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*Taken at 710am. The Pietà is Michelangelo's most famous sculpture in St. Peter's Basilica. Carved from a single block of marble in 1498–1499 when he was just 24 years old, it depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion. - "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."
It is now protected behind bulletproof glass because of an attack in 1972. A man named Laszlo Toth entered St. Peter's Basilica with a hammer and struck the sculpture multiple times, damaging Mary's nose, eyelid, and arm.*.png)
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*Pictured: Saint Veronica holding the Veil of Veronica, Sacred Heart of Jesus and bottom right is Doubting Thomas as Jesus said to him, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Do not doubt but believe."*
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*As the sunrises in Vatican City. The dove represents the Hotly Spirt.*
The Vatican Grottoes
(Free to enter, Opens to Public at 9am)
To get close to St Peter's, and the Papal Tombs.png)
Saint Peter is one of the twelve Apostles and was regarded as the first leader of the Church, who preached in early Rome. He confessed Jesus as the Messiah, earning the symbolic “keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.”
During the persecution under Emperor Nero tradition says he was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die like Jesus.
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*Pic L to Right. Pope Benedict, Center, Saint Peter the longest serving Pope of 34-37yrs and pic R, Pope Paul VI, known for brought the papacy onto the world stage through his historic travels and international outreach.*
St Peter Basilica represent the symbolic heart of Catholicism.
Click here for original posting of Saint peter and Sistine Chapel tour 10Oct2016.
Click here for posting of second visit toe Saint Peter's. 11Apl2017
+ A photo journey through a new lens of view from 31Mar2024 +
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*Crowd seen here at 930am*
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*Taken at 710am. The Pietà is Michelangelo's most famous sculpture in St. Peter's Basilica. Carved from a single block of marble in 1498–1499 when he was just 24 years old, it depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion. - "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."
It is now protected behind bulletproof glass because of an attack in 1972. A man named Laszlo Toth entered St. Peter's Basilica with a hammer and struck the sculpture multiple times, damaging Mary's nose, eyelid, and arm.*
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*Pictured on the left, Saint Andrew was the first Apostle called by Jesus and is remembered for his martyrdom on an X-shaped cross, which has become known throughout the world as Saint Andrew's Cross.*
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*As the sun rises in the morning.*
*Pictured: Saint Veronica holding the Veil of Veronica, Sacred Heart of Jesus and bottom right is Doubting Thomas as Jesus said to him, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Do not doubt but believe."*
Saint Peter
“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18)
*Saint Peter stands outside*
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*Papal Altar at St.Peter's*
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*Saint Helena carrying the true cross in the foreground and
The Chair of Saint Peter at the back. The Chair of Saint Peter is upheld by the saints and illuminated by the Holy Spirit.*
“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18)
*Saint Peter stands outside*
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The Chair of Saint Peter at the back. The Chair of Saint Peter is upheld by the saints and illuminated by the Holy Spirit.*
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*As the sunrises in Vatican City. The dove represents the Hotly Spirt.*
The Vatican Grottoes
(Free to enter, Opens to Public at 9am)
To get close to St Peter's, and the Papal Tombs
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During the persecution under Emperor Nero tradition says he was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die like Jesus.
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*Pic L to Right. Pope Benedict, Center, Saint Peter the longest serving Pope of 34-37yrs and pic R, Pope Paul VI, known for brought the papacy onto the world stage through his historic travels and international outreach.*
6. Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls - A Martyrs' Courage
(Closed 12-4pm)
(Humility and ancient. One of the oldest churches retaining its charm and
dedicated to St Lawrence, one of the most beloved martyrs of early church)
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(Closed 12-4pm)
(Humility and ancient. One of the oldest churches retaining its charm and
dedicated to St Lawrence, one of the most beloved martyrs of early church)
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One of the most historically layered basilicas in the city, combining ancient Christian tradition with medieval reconstruction. Ancient, humble and feels like a place of early Christianity.
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*Pictured L,after Saint Lawrence was martyred in Rome in AD 258, his body was laid upon a slab of marble before burial. The stone was said to have absorbed drops of his blood, leaving reddish stains that are still visible today.*.png)
*The story of Saint Lawrence and seen lower right where he was burned on a Gridiron.*
Saint Lawrence (Patron of the poor)
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Saint Lawrence was a 3rd-century Roman deacon (Servant of the church) who was known for distributing Church wealth to the needy during persecution. He cared for the poor and was martyred during persecution by gridiron after boldly defending the Church’s true “treasures”, the poor and suffering..
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*Pictured L,after Saint Lawrence was martyred in Rome in AD 258, his body was laid upon a slab of marble before burial. The stone was said to have absorbed drops of his blood, leaving reddish stains that are still visible today.*.png)
*The story of Saint Lawrence and seen lower right where he was burned on a Gridiron.*
During his martyrdom, tradition says he displayed remarkable courage and even remarked: "Turn me over; I'm done on this side."
Click here for ABBA location of Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls
Click here for ABBA location of Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls
7. Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major - Mary & Jesus' Birth
(Beauty and devotion honoring Mary - Known for relics of the holy crib and where Pope Francis 2013-2025 is Buried April 2025)
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The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major is the largest and oldest Catholic church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the four major papal basilicas. It is especially famous for its ancient mosaics and strong Marian devotion.
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*The stained glass window of Saint Mary Major is a modern masterpiece (1995)
by János Hajnal.*
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*The great mosaic behind the High Altar of Saint Mary Major depicts the Coronation of the Virgin. Created in 1295, it shows Jesus crowning Mary in Heaven, surrounded by angels and saints, making it one of the finest medieval mosaics in Rome.*
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*Pope Francis known for being a pope of humility, mercy and outreach.
*Pope Francis visited Singapore from Sept11-13 2024. He passed on 21April2025*
Mother Mary Symbology
(Mother Mary - In Italy "La Madonna: "The Lady" or "Our Lady".)
(Mother Mary - In Italy "La Madonna: "The Lady" or "Our Lady".)
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You maybe interested in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Paris) famous as the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Catherine Labourne, giving her the design for the Miraculous Medal.
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*Absolutely stunning piece of work.*.png)
Relic of the Holy Crib
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Sistine Chapel of St Mary Major
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*Absolutely stunning piece of work.*
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<The Seven Churches Pilgrimage>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is an amazing experience and can be enjoyed by anyone on multiple layers. Religiously, spiritually, historically, architecturally and more, all off it. Stories which have inspired people for nearly 2,000years.
Its fantastic that many of the churches have write-ups that tell you about the various art works. Just take the time to enjoy the beauty of the works that are represented and the stories they share.
In terms of beauty awe and enjoyment for us were definitely, St Peter's Basilica, St Paul's and Santa Maria Maggiore, each of which we spent a good 2-3hrs at each. Highly recommended for visits even if not of the faith. We covered all 7 and 2 additional places over a span of three days. Getting there and around is part of the adventure.
If one were to walk the entire distance, you'd covered a distance similar to a half marathon (Approximately 27km in total) Highly recommended to explore these, some of which maybe off the beaten track.
Its fantastic that many of the churches have write-ups that tell you about the various art works. Just take the time to enjoy the beauty of the works that are represented and the stories they share.
In terms of beauty awe and enjoyment for us were definitely, St Peter's Basilica, St Paul's and Santa Maria Maggiore, each of which we spent a good 2-3hrs at each. Highly recommended for visits even if not of the faith. We covered all 7 and 2 additional places over a span of three days. Getting there and around is part of the adventure.
If one were to walk the entire distance, you'd covered a distance similar to a half marathon (Approximately 27km in total) Highly recommended to explore these, some of which maybe off the beaten track.
