The tour will start with a visit to the splendid Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four papal basilicas of Rome and the most important church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continuing through the Via Appia Antica up to the Catacombs of San Callixto or Santa Domitilla, you will go down for a visit of about 30 minutes to learn about early Christian cemeteries and shelters. Returning downtown to the city, admire the beautiful Basilica of St. John Lateran, the "Mater et Kaput" of all the churches of Rome and the world, surrounded by a complex including the Pontifical Lateran Palace, the Palace of the Canons, the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary and the Pontifical Lateran University. Both territories are on the Italian land. Where the basilicas arise, enjoy the privileges of extraterritoriality recognized by the Holy See that holds the full and exclusive jurisdiction. Your last stop will be at the Holy Stairs. According to tradition, the 28 steps of the stairs are exactly the same ones that Jesus went up in Pontius Pilate's palace in Jerusalem. Brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th-century, they are considered so sacred that the faithfuls climb them on their knees praying. The tour will finish near the Termini area or Piazza Barberini.