Beyond Rome’s iconic monuments lies a rich world of hidden masterpieces that few visitors get to see.
Highlights
Hidden Gems
- Santa Pudenziana
- Santa Prassede
Tour Includes
- Rome's most amazing mosaics
- Private group
- Expert, fluent English-speaking guide
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
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Can’t make your trip? Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, minus any ticket costs.
ITINERARY
What To Expect On Your Tour
Santi Cosma e Damiano
Discover Apocalyptic Imagery at Santi Cosma e Damiano
We begin at Santi Cosma e Damiano, built into the Roman Forum. Once a pagan temple, it became a Christian church in 527 AD. Inside, sixth-century mosaics depict vivid apocalyptic imagery: Christ descending in radiant color, saints in conversation, and Pope Felix presenting the church. You’ll discover a phoenix, palm trees, and intricately portrayed sheep— all rich with meaning.
Monti Neighborhood
Walk Through Monti’s History on Via Urbana
From there, we stroll through Monti, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. But beneath its chic exterior lies the gritty past of the Suburra, once a slum of ancient Rome. Our path leads to Santa Pudenziana, one of the oldest churches in the city. Inside, an incredible 5th-century mosaic shows Christ as an emperor, flanked by apostles in Roman togas—marking a profound shift in Rome’s identity from imperial to Christian.
Santa Prassede
Marvel at Santa Prassede’s Golden Age Mosaics
Under Pope Paschal I, Rome experienced a mosaic revival in the 9th century. At Santa Prassede, Byzantine-inspired mosaics glitter with vibrant color. You’ll meet saints, angels, and the sisters Prassede and Pudenziana, dressed as Byzantine royalty. The stunning Chapel of San Zeno, commissioned by Paschal for his mother, is a hidden gem adorned with golden scenes of Christ and the saints.
Santa Maria Maggiore
Majestic Visions of Heaven
Our final stop is Santa Maria Maggiore, a 5th-century basilica and artistic pilgrimage site. Its nave mosaics depict Old Testament scenes in a classical style—testaments to the skill of Roman artists adapting to new Christian themes. In the apse, Jacopo Torriti’s 13th-century masterpiece crowns the Virgin Mary beside Christ in heavenly glory, revealing how mosaic art evolved across a millennium.
Why Choose Through Eternity Tours? Led by expert archaeologists and art historians, our tours go deeper. With 25+ years of experience, we bring Rome’s lesser-known treasures to life through engaging storytelling, scholarly insight, and a passion for discovery.
Join us and experience a side of Rome most never see—one glittering mosaic at a time.
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Guests Reviews
Great extended family rome trip
we had an amazing time with our guides, guia and serena in rome. They were both fun, receptive and interesting with their knowledge. Would highly recommend thru eternity!
