(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories

New To The Site! Rome, Italy
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $193.76 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories Image 1
Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories Image 2
Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories Image 3
Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories Image 4
Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories Image 5

Loading Options
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Beyond Rome’s iconic monuments lies a rich world of hidden masterpieces that few visitors get to see. Escape the crowds with us and take a deep dive to discover the city’s finest mosaics, from mysterious early-Christian masterpieces to glittering pieces of medieval craftsmanship. Along the way we’ll learn about the intricate techniques of the mosaicist’s art, as well as the ambitious patrons and artists who brought them to life. Join us to explore this world of mesmerizing mosaics!

What's Included

  • Rome's most amazing mosaics
  • Small group size
  • Expert, fluent English-speaking guide
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Largo Corrado Ricci
00184 Roma RM, Italy

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
00100 Roma RM, Italy

What To Expect

Santi Cosma e Damiano

Our mosaic masterpieces tour begins in the spectacular ancient church of Santi Cosma and Damiano. Originally built in honor of Valerius Romulus, son of the Emperor Maxentius, this one-time pagan temple is built right into the fabric of the ancient Roman Forum, and was transformed into a Christian church in the ⁣⁣year 527 by Pope Felix IV. Dedicated to the Greek doctor brothers Cosmas and Damian, the church boasts amazing sixth-century mosaics depicting some pretty wacky apocalyptic imagery.At the center Christ descends to earth in a kaleidoscope of vibrant color, while saints and prelates are busy in conversation all around him. Pope Felix himself, meanwhile, humbly presents a model of the church for Christ’s approval. On our tour we’ll learn about the mosaic’s fascinating and complex iconography, featuring a series of beautifully portrayed sheep, a phoenix, and even palm trees.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rione Monti

Next we’re heading into the heart of one of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The narrow streets of chic Monti are home to buzzing wine bars and boutiques, but things weren’t always so salubrious around here. Thousands of years ago this was ancient Rome’s most notorious slum, a vast area that extended from near the Imperial Fora all the way to the Esquiline Hill. Home to a large population of prostitutes and ne’er do wells, The creaking tenements of the Suburra were extremely unsafe, and fire ripped through the cramped dwellings with alarming regularity.Exploring Monti today, you’d never guess the dark history of one of Rome’s most glamorous quarters! We’ll be taking a stroll up the neighborhood’s major thoroughfare, Via Urbana to the next stop on our tour, the extraordinary but out-of-the-way church of Santa Pudenziana.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica of Santa Pudenziana

Despite the fact that you won’t see Santa Pudenziana on most tourist itineraries in Rome, this venerable basilica is home to an extraordinary hidden treasure inside. The church itself is one of the very oldest in Rome, with origins dating all the way back to the second century AD. The real highlight here is the apse mosaic, a stunning example of early-Christian art.Commissioned by Pope Innocent I in the wake of the Gothic sack of Rome in 410 AD, the mosaic portrays Christ seated on an emperor's throne, flanked by apostles dressed in the distinctive togas of Roman senators - this fascinating fusion of Roman imperial iconography and classical style with Christian themes showcases the pivotal transformation of ancient Roman civilization into a new Christian era. This beautiful mosaic was to have a seismic impact on the history of western art, and established many aspects of Christian iconography that you’ll see repeated all across Rome and beyond.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica di Santa Prassede

The 9th-century reign of Pope Paschal 1st ushered in a great golden age of art in Rome, revitalizing the battered Dark-Age city in the process. As a wave of iconoclasm devastated the prospects of artists and mosaicists in contemporary Constantinople, the enterprising pontiff invited the newly unemployed craftsmen to Rome with open arms and had them set about beautifying the city’s churches - and burnishing his own family’s legacy.Perhaps the most spectacular result of this happy coming together is the marvelous church of Santa Prassede. A series of glittering mosaics decorate the church’s sanctuary, featuring an array of apostles and angels, as well the pious sisters Prassede and Pudenziana themselves, dressed in the opulent outfits of Byzantine princesses.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Santa Maria Maggiore

Our tour concludes in one of the most important churches in Rome. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and founded, according to tradition, in the wake of a miraculous 5th-century snowfall, Santa Maria Maggiore has been a pilgrimage destination for the faithful and art lovers alike for over 1,500 years. First amongst equals in the church’s stunning array of artistic masterpieces is the mosaic cycle portraying key events from the Old Testament that adorn its nave.As with the mosaic at Santa Pudenziana, these 5th-century artworks offer a fusion of classical style with Christian subject matter: their highly realistic style showcases the skill of ancient Roman artists, turned towards a new goal of immortalizing the heroes of Christian doctrine. On our tour your expert guide will point out scenes like the Parting of the Red Sea and the Hospitality of Abraham.Join us for this unique adventure to discover a hidden side of the Eternal City’s amazing artistic treasures!
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please inform us if any participants have mobility issues so we can best accommodate you.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-31810P102


Loading Options
Rome Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group
Likely to Sell Out

Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group

3,372
 3 hours 15 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$202.20
Private canoe tour on the River Cavata high sources

Private canoe tour on the River Cavata high sources

New To The Site!
 2 to 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$47.55
Rome Catacombs Capuchin Crypts with Rome city semi pvt tour

Rome Catacombs Capuchin Crypts with Rome city semi pvt tour

2
 2 hours  Free Cancellation
from
$297.18
Tour in Florence, A Full Day from Rome
Likely to Sell Out

Tour in Florence, A Full Day from Rome

New To The Site!
 10 to 11 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$633.58

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Early Vatican Museums Tour: The Best of the Sistine Chapel
Likely to Sell Out

Early Vatican Museums Tour: The Best of the Sistine Chapel

861
 3 to 4 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$105.79
Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica
Likely to Sell Out

Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica

5,466
 2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$65.74
Pasta Cooking Class in Rome - Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona
Likely to Sell Out

Pasta Cooking Class in Rome - Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona

788
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$53.25
Best of Rome Walking Tour including Trevi Fountain
Likely to Sell Out

Best of Rome Walking Tour including Trevi Fountain

700
 90 to 120 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$4.03

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Rome's most amazing mosaics.
  • Small group size.
  • Expert, fluent English-speaking guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Transportation.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Mosaic Masterpieces of Rome: Sacred Stories will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Rome's most amazing mosaics
  • Small group size
  • Expert, fluent English-speaking guide
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please inform us if any participants have mobility issues so we can best accommodate you.

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Lowest Price Guarantee

Activity name

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

Activity name

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Support

Ask us anything!

Activity name

Cool Robot