Discovering Rome’s Sacred Relics

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica, known as the “Mother Church,” was constructed atop the tomb of Saint Peter, the church’s first Pope. His tomb is found directly beneath the altar, alongside the tombs of many popes, including John Paul II, in the crypt.

San Giovanni in Laterno (St. John Lateran) and the Sancta Santorum

As the church of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), San Giovanni in Laterano was once the primary basilica before Saint Peter’s Basilica was built. Alongside the adjacent Sancta Sanctorum—the “Holy of Holies”—the basilica houses some of Rome’s most revered relics, including the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, the Holy Stairs from the palace of Pontius Pilate, and wood from the table used during the Last Supper.

Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major)

Located on Esquiline Hill, Santa Maria Maggiore contains several precious relics, including the Holy Crib, fragments from the Holy Manger, a piece of the True Cross, and the tombs of saints like St. Matthew and St. Jerome.

San Paolo Fuori le Mura (Saint Paul Outside the Walls)

At San Paolo Fuori Le Mura, the main relics include the tomb of Saint Paul and the chains believed to have been used to imprison him. Various other saints and popes’ relics can also be seen in the church’s Chapel of Relics.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

Near San Giovanni and Santa Maria Maggiore, this church contains several debated relics from the Passion of Christ, such as the Titulus Crucis, thorns from Christ’s crown, and pieces of the True Cross, including St. Thomas’s doubting finger.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

Santa Maria in Cosmedin, home to the iconic Bocca della Verita, holds the reliquary of Saint Valentine, featuring the saint’s skull within its sacred walls.

San Silvestro in Capite

The name “in capite” refers to the “head” of John the Baptist, which is believed to be housed in this church as a significant relic for visitors to behold.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva proudly contains the burial site of St. Catherine, the Patron Saint of Europe, along with the graves of three popes: Leo X, Clement VII, and Paul IV.

San Pietro in Vincoli

Situated near the Colosseum, this small church is known as Saint Peter in Chains due to its housing of the chains that belonged to the church’s first pope.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Santa Maria in Aracoeli houses the remains of St. Helena, the mother of Constantine, recognized for bringing numerous relics of the Passion from the Holy Land. Notable burials here include Pope Honorius IV and Saint Juniper.