Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome — founded in the 4th century to house relics of the True Cross reportedly brought from Jerusalem by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. The current Baroque facade dates from 1758, but inside the church still venerates fragments of the True Cross, a nail, and the ancient inscription placed above Christ's head. An essential stop for pilgrims and for anyone drawn to the origins of early Christian worship in Rome.