The basilica of Santa Croce is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. The Roman Catholic basilica is situated at the foot of the Esquilino hill, in an area full of history.

The basilica was consecrated in IV century to house the relics of the Passion of the Lord. The Passion Relics was brought to the Eternal City from the Holy Land by Helena (mother of Constantine I).

Thanks to Constantine I and his mother Helena, the first church was built in the imperial palace. Some time later the church was turned into basilica. After it was abandoned, the church was restored by Pope Gregory II (715-731) and Pope Lucius II (1144-1145). As a result it assumed a Romanesque appearance.

In the XIV century the papacy was based in Avignon and the church was abandoned. In 1370, before the returning of papacy to Rome, the basilica was handed over to Carthusian monks, who restored the church.

In 1561, Lombard Cistercian monks replaced the Carthusians as caretakers the basilica of Santa Croce. They still serve the church today.

The basilica was also modified in the XVI century, but it assumed its current appearance under Benedict XIV (1740-1758). Pope had the church rebuilt in the Baroque style. At this time long-planned roads were also opened to connect the church to the other Roman basilicas linked to Jesus' life - San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore. 

• Address
  Piazza Santa Croce in Gerusalemme 12, 00185 Roma

• Opening hours
  Daily 6:45 - 19:30
• Cost
   Free

• Phone
  06 7014769

• Website

www.basilicasantacroce.com

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