Rome, The Eternal City is the capital city of Italy and was once capital of a vast Classical Empire. At its heart is The Vatican, a city state within the city and world centre of the Catholic Church. It was here, in Rome, that St Peter founded the Church of Rome and a monumental basilica was built over his tomb. Students can explore the history of the Catholic Church from its foundation over 2,000 years ago. Explore the splendour of St Peter's Basilica and The Sistine Chapel with its astounding decorative frescoes by Michelangelo. Admire the many churches and works of art completed to venerate God. At the Church of St Peter in Chains witness Michelangelo's powerful statue of Moses and the remains of the chains, which allegedly bound St Peter.
Enable your students to understand the extent of power and influence of the Vatican throughout history. Examine how the church has changed over the centuries. Explore the concept of religious worship and pilgrimage. It is the tradition for people to ascend the Scala Santa on their knees. Examine how this religion has spread throughout the world. Explore what the Pope represents to millions of Catholics and how their religious beliefs affect the way they live their lives.
Students should gain an understanding of the pagan religious tradition of the Roman Empire through visiting the historic excavations. Take your group to visit the Colosseum to gain an insight into the struggle of the early church and how Christians were persecuted and killed. See the Catacombs where the early Christians were buried in secret. Understand the growth of the Christian Church and its contrasting beliefs with those of the Roman Empire and how the religion eventually became adopted.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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Religious Studies Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £380
5 Days to Rome by Air
Day 1:
Travel to Rome by air; meet your transfer to take you to your accommodation. Time permitting, explore the local area.
Day 2:
Spend the day exploring Rome. Start at the Colosseum and the forum, the extensive ruins of the centre of ancient Rome. In the afternoon, visit the Piazza Venezia with its palaces and monument to Victor Emmanuel. In the evening, visit the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain.
Day 3:
Travel to the Vatican City to spend the day exploring the sites including St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
Day 4:
Full day excursion to the San Callisto Catacombs and to Tivoli to visit Hadrian’s Villa.
Day 5:
Check out of your accommodation and meet your transfer to the airport for your return flight.
