Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem — Attraction in Rome

The Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem) is a very interesting basilica just a short walk from San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome. It is one of the seven pilgrimage churches in the Eternal City. Too often overlooked by visitors (though pilgrims wouldn't miss it), Santa Croce is well worth a visit for its extraordinary collection of relics from the Holy Land, its full-sized replica of the Shroud of Turin, the shrine of a young girl who is being considered for sainthood, and its connections with Constantine and St. Helen.

The relics enshrined at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in the Chapel of the Holy Relics are:

(Note: These may not be the permanent positions of the reliquaries, but this was their position when I visited in July 2008, 2009 and November 2013.) Devotionally, the relics from the True Cross are probably the most important. But from a historical and archaeological (as well as devotional) perspective, the Title of the Cross may be the most interesting. As mentioned above in the history of the church, this wooden fragment was discovered sealed behind a brick in the triumphal arch of the basilica in 1492.

The Title was long thought to be a medieval forgery, especially since there was no previous tradition of the existence of such a relic. But in the 19th century another important discovery was made: the travelogue of the Spanish pilgrim Egeria, who traveled to the Holy Land in the late 4th century. Egeria described the veneration of the Title relic at Jerusalem. Further indication that it is not a forgery is the fact that not only the Hebrew, but also the Latin and Greek script is written from right to left. This suggests the inscription was made by a Hebrew accustomed to writing in that direction, not a medieval Latin-speaker.

In a side room in the Chapel of the Holy Relics is another fascinating sight: a full-sized, exact replica of the Shroud of Turin. It is stretched out on the wall at eye level and well-lit, providing a rare opportunity to inspect the famous relic up close. In the corner of the room stands a gory statue of Jesus that was designed based on the portrait in the Shroud.

At the base of the stairs to the Chapel of the Relics is a shrine containing the remains of a modern saint, Antonietta Meo (1930-37), nicknamed Nennolina. This young girl died at the age of six, after having suffering from bone cancer that led to her left leg being amputated. She had visions, wrote letters (most dictated to her mother) and composed a short prayer to Jesus, dedicating her sufferings to him. At least one healing has been attributed to her intercession since her death, and she is currently being considered for official canonization as a saint. She had been baptized at Santa Croce and her body was moved inside its...

The Basilica of The Holy Cross in Jerusalem is located between the Basilica of St. John Lateran and Porta Maggiore. It is often overlooked by tourist, but should not be. Aside from the impressive artworks displayed inside the church, we were so impressed with the Chapel of the Holy Relics. These relics were brought to Rome from the Holy Land by St. Helena of Constantinople, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I. Here are the reliquaries containing the relics said to have been found on Mt. Calvary: fragments of the cross of Christ; two thorns from the crown placed on his head; one of the nails used in the crucifixion; a large piece of the cross of the repentant thief; and stone fragments of the scourging pillar. There is also a finger that is said to that of St. Thomas, the one dubbed the "doubting apostle" who put his finger in the wounds of the risen Jesus to confirm his identity. There is also a wooden inscription attributed as the Titulus Crucis, the crucifixion sign, written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. There is a full sized replica of the Shroud of Turin. We found a curious shrine to a young girl named Nennolina, (Antonietta Meo, who lived in 1930-37). Her remains are here. This young girl died at the age of six, after having suffering from bone cancer that led to her left leg being amputated. She had visions, wrote letters (most dictated to her mother) and composed a short prayer to Jesus, dedicating her sufferings to him. At least one healing has been attributed to her intercession since her death, and she is currently being considered for official canonization as a saint. She had been baptized at Santa Croce and her body was moved inside its...

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem) is one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome and is located in the Esquilino district. It is an important religious site due to its historical significance and the relics it houses.

Key Features and History:

Relics of the Passion: The basilica is renowned for housing several relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ, including fragments of the True Cross, one of the nails used in the Crucifixion, a piece of the Titulus Crucis (the sign that hung above Jesus on the Cross), and two thorns from the Crown of Thorns. Historical Origins: The church was originally built in the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine I, who adapted part of his mother St. Helena’s Sessorian Palace into a basilica. According to tradition, St. Helena brought the relics of the Passion to Rome from Jerusalem, which gives the basilica its name. Architectural Style: The basilica has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. Its current appearance primarily reflects Baroque influences from a major restoration in the 18th century, with further modifications made in the 19th and 20th centuries. Interior Highlights: The basilica’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and chapels. The Chapel of St. Helena, located beneath the main altar, is a significant site where some of the relics are displayed. Pilgrimage Site: Due to its sacred relics, the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme is a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians, especially...