Car pick up at the Hotel
Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura
We started this unique Car Photo Tour with a hotel pick up at the Best Western Hotel Artdeco in Rome. Our first location was the astounding Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura. A little out of the city center but easily reachable by car. Especially early in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic. Once there we had the location pretty much for ourselves. Mass was being celebrated as we entered and we had the pleasure to enjoy some nice chanting as we visited the structure. We invested a little bit of time to get some pictures of the outside facade and internal courtyard.
The inside of Basilica San Paolo Fuori le Mura is impressive. A spectacular view as we took a few tactful pictures inside. The Basilica was built over Saint Paul’s tomb contained underneath the altar. With a beautifully sweeping view of the hall surrounded by large marble columns and a decorated ceiling overhead with large statues and mosaics.
Church of San Ignazio
Heading back to central Rome we stopped by Church San Ignazio to admire and photograph the wonderful architecture. We quietly took some photos both outside and inside. Being so early in the morning there was still very little people around. So we enjoyed spending a little time here and there wondering around.
Church of Jesus
Was our next destination was Church of the Jesu’ with its imposing large structure on Via degli Astalli in Rome. With its truly baroque facade and astounding ceiling fresco. After visiting the inside and lighting up some candles we headed back to the car for our next stop.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Was definitely worth a visit as Basilica of Saint Mary Major is the largest Catholic church in Rome and one of the four main Basilicas of the city. It stands in the center of town near the Termini train station exposing a good example of classical roman architecture. It also contains one of the four Holy Doors.
San Giovanni in Laterano
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano was our next stop. One of the oldest and first to rank among the four Papal Basilicas present in Rome. A must see location for its impressive marble structure. With niches containing over sized statues of the twelve Apostles.
Scala Santa
The Holy Stair. Located just adjacent to Church San Giovanni. A must stop by location. With 28 white marble steps leading to the personal chapel of the early Popes. The stairs are believed to have been brought here in Rome and according to Catholic belief, represent the steps that lead Jesus to trail during the events known as Passion.
Saint Peter’s square
In the Vatican
Couldn’t keep this out of the itinerary. Even though a dedicated visit of the inside would really be worth it ona separate occasion due to time. We remained in the outside square admiring the stunning exterior architecture of the Basilica. On our way back we took some photographs of the colonnade. And we couldn’t resist asking the Swiss guards if we could take a quick picture with them!
Church Santo Spirito in Sassia
This was a bonus location we were able to include as we were driving back to the hotel. We couldn’t resist entering and visiting. Church St. Spirit in Sassia displays a large picture of the late and beloved John Paul II.
Photo Tour description:
This photo tour will be a comfy one. It will start directly at your Hotel with a private car pickup. The itinerary will be adapted to your needs taking into consideration your Hotel as a starting point. It will include:
Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Church Sant’Ignazio
Church of the Gesu
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano
Scala Santa
Saint Peter’s square [time permitting]
The tour will finish with a drop off back to your Hotel or elsewhere if preferred.
Check out the Photo Tour page for more details or view the blog to see more sample pictures from other Tours.
