Colosseum & Early Christian Rome Pilgrimage
“The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church” – Tertullian
â—‰ Colosseum Dawn Vigil
Enter through the gladiators’ gate before sunrise. Stand in the hypogeum where Christians prayed before facing lions, reading Polycarp’s final prayer as light floods the arena.
â—‰ Catacomb Anointing
In the Domitilla Catacombs, trace fish symbols with myrrh oil on tunnel walls where secret Masses were held. Take home a replica oil lamp used in 3rd-century worship.
â—‰ Mamertine Prison Encounter
Hold an iron shackle like Peter’s in the jail where tradition says he converted his guards. Drink from the miraculous spring he created to baptize them.
Daily Early Christian Rhythm
05:30: Walk the “Apostolic Alley” from Colosseum to Circus Maximus
10:00: Bake Eucharist bread using 2nd-century recipe in a catacomb bakery
15:00: Mosaic workshop with nuns restoring Basilica San Clemente’s hidden cross
21:00: Taizé chanting in Santa Prisca’s Mithraic temple-turned-church
Ethical Pilgrimage Promise
Your journey supports:
→ Modern martyrs’ families through Aid to the Church in Need
→ Restoration of forgotten catacomb frescoes
→ Scholarships for Vatican archaeologists