The Basilica Santi Apostoli, located centrally in Rome near Piazza Venezia, holds the relics of St. Philip and St. James the Lesser, rediscovered in the late 1800s. Originally built in the mid-300s, the current structure is a result of multiple rebuilds, including an 1800s renovation. It was also Michelangelo's initial burial site before his body was moved to Florence.

If you are going through the Monti area in Rome, headed to Santa Maria Maggiore, you will likely walk down Via Panisperna. In doing so you will be forgiven for missing the church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, for it is hidden behind a wall! San Lorenzo was an incredibly popular saint, and, by all accounts, his fame was well deserved. The location of San Lorenzo's martyrdom is said to be at San Lorenzo in Panisperna, and the 'oven of San Lorenzo' is located below the church

Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the Esquiline Hill, just south of the Termini train station. The basilica dominates the hill and dominates the surrounding area; it is a massive, solid, structure. The structure that the viewer sees today - while heavily embellished, dates from the founding of the basilica in the early 400's! The most likely date places the construction of the church in the papacy of Sixtus III, 432-440. This church truly is a Roman Basilica.

Sant'Anastasia is a church in the heart of ancient Rome. It sits at the western end of the Circus Maximus within an easy walk of the Tiber River further west, and the Roman Forum to the east. It is at the foot of the Palatine Hill, which gives it the appellation, 'al Palatino'. Founded in the early 300's, it was an important church in the early days of the church in Rome. In fact, for centuries Lent began here, with the Pope himself applying the ashes to the faithful.

On the first Sunday of Lent, we visit the Cathedral of Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano. Dedicated in 324 by Pope Sylvester I, this church is the seat of the Bishop of Rome and sits on land dedicated by Constantine.

Just steps from Piazza Navona lies Sant’Agostino, a Renaissance masterpiece built with travertine scavenged from the Colosseum. This church is a study in classical proportion, mirroring Alberti’s work in Florence while directly echoing the Pantheon’s famous inscription. Inside, you will find Caravaggio’s stir-causing Madonna of Loreto, Raphael’s Michelangelo-inspired Prophet Isaiah, and the tomb of Santa Monica. Join me as we explore this station church where high art meet

The church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is a highlight of the Lenten station churches, sitting directly atop ancient Roman homes. Walking up the Clivus Scauri under medieval brick buttresses, visitors can enter the Case Romane to see original wall paintings before stepping into the "wedding church" above. With its Pantheon-style coffered ceiling and exquisite marble floors, this basilica offers a stunning look at how the Rome of the Church was built upon the Rome of Antiquity.

Santa Sabina, completed in 432 on the Aventine Hill, perfectly bridges the Rome of Antiquity with the Rome of the Church. This magnificent basilica features classic Roman brickwork and Corinthian columns reminiscent of the Roman Forum. Built over the home of the martyr Saint Sabina, the church is a masterful example of early Christian architecture. Join me as we explore this ancient site, its history, and the beautiful park overlooking the Tiber and St. Peter’s.