The Rome Index
Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
One of Rome's seven pilgrim churches — with relics said to include wood from the True Cross.
What it is
Founded in the 4th century by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, to house relics she brought back from Jerusalem. Among Rome's seven major pilgrim churches, it's the least visited by tourists — making it one of the most peaceful basilicas in the city.
The relics
The Cappella delle Reliquie contains what the church claims are fragments of the True Cross, two thorns from the Crown of Thorns, a nail and a finger of Saint Thomas — displayed in elaborate reliquaries and viewed with great solemnity by pilgrims, and fascination by everyone else.
Getting there
Five minutes walk from San Giovanni in Laterano, making a combined visit straightforward — two of Rome's seven pilgrim churches in one morning.
Built on imported soil
According to tradition, the basilica's foundations include soil brought from Jerusalem by St Helena, mother of Constantine — literally allowing the church to be considered to stand on Holy Land itself, one of the more unusual foundational legends among Rome's ancient churches.
Relics of the Passion
The church houses a collection of relics associated with Christ's crucifixion, including fragments said to be from the True Cross — displayed in a dedicated chapel, drawing a steady stream of pilgrim visitors specifically for religious devotion rather than purely architectural or artistic interest.
