For the past 1700 years, Rome has been the center of Catholicism. Saint Peter and Saint Paul moved to Rome after the crucifixion of Christ to spread the new religion and died during the Nero persecution. As soon as Constantine became the emperor, he declared freedom of religion over the Roman empire and Christians began construction of their first churches. When in Rome, visit the Basilicas of Saint Paul, Peter, and John in Lateran and Saint Mary the Major. Learn how the Christian community expanded in terms of structure and following. Walk trough the Catacombs where the first Christians were buried and don’t miss Rome’s Paleochristian , Middle Age , Renaissance and Baroque churches with their different but equally beautiful architectural styles.
