Christian Rome. Two papal basilicas.

This tour takes you inside the first church of christianity and today still the cathedral of Rome. Indeed the first and one of the 4 papal churches. The large inscription on the façade reads "Pope Clement XII, in the fifth year of his reign, dedicated this building to Christ the Savior, in honor of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist". Originally dedicated to Christ the Savior it goes back to the IV century AD, it has a Medieval cloister and one of the first ever built baptistry. In 15 minutes walk we'll reach the imposing vatican owned and papal church of Santa Maria Maggiore built one century later and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. How was the liturgy back then? Who was entitled to sit or stand? What was there before the Basilicas were built? Who made the fantastic mosaics adorning the walls, and mainly what can we trace back of the original decorations? This stunning tour full of curiosity is not only aimed to those of christian faith but it is indicated for all art lovers.