A Very Special Journey to Rome Lead by Dr. Janet H. Tulloch, Art & Archaeology Specialist

Early Christian Women/ Women in Antiquities

Days 1 and 2 - New York - Rome, Roman Forum/Ara Pacis
Depart New York for Rome. Upon arrival, we begin our journey at the Roman Forum, the ancient heart of Rome. We note, especially, the Temple of Vesta, sanctuary for Rome's Vestal Virgins richly adorned with female statuary and the vestals' pool. We continue to the Ara Pacis (altar of Peace), showing a pre-Christian religious procession of men and women.

Day 3 - Vatican Museums, Pio Christian monuments, Decorative Arts, Sistine chapel, St. Peter's
The day will be spent examining the art treasures of St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum, one of the most important museums in the world for artifacts and monuments from Late Antiquity and early Christianity. In addition to viewing Michelangelo's magnificent depiction of Mary and Jesus ("Pieta") and Sistine Chapel, special note will be made of sarcophagi, reliefs, gold glass, and inscriptions that include depictions of women engaged in early Christian faith practices.

Day 4 - Pantheon, Sopra Minerva and San Clemente
Visit the two sites in Rome that best demonstrate the transition between the Roman religious practice of sun-worship and advent of Christianity. First, the Pantheon, former temple to Roman gods converted to a church. Then, San Clemente, with its layered, religious architectural history. While women were barred from partaking in its (first layer) Mithras cult, they were later ordained as deacons and consecrated as widows in its Christian reinvention. We also stop at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva - where Catherine of Sienna lies over the Roman goddess of crafts, wisdom (Greek equivalent of Athena)

Day 5 - Catacombs of Priscilla,Petrus/Marcellenus or Domitilla, St. Praxidis, St. Mary Major
Visit catacombs evoking women's leadership in the early church. View preserved images of an "anointing" of a woman and another of an all-female eucharistic (possibly burial) rite. (Depending on permissions, we may substitute Domitilla, a prominent cult dedicated to a female martyr thought to be the daughter of Peter, for Petrus/Marcellenus.) In the afternoon, we stop at the 9th century Byzantine church named for Praxidis, an early Christian evangelizer noted by Paul for her leadership. Observe the inscription "Theodora, Episcopa" (Bishop Theodora) above a mosaic and inscribed in one of the pillar walls. Afterwards, we stop at St. Mary Major, one of Rome's four main basilicas, to view its fabulous mosaics.

Day 6 - Ostia Antica
We travel to the coast for a visit to a thriving Late Antique Roman port city that survived well beyond Pompeii. The city is known for its large number of Mithraea (temples belonging to a mystery religion whose members practiced "soul travel"), Rome's only extant late antique synagogue and the original burial place of Monica, mother of Augustine. Late afternoon we stop for a walk along the beach before heading back to Rome.

Day 7 - Santa Costanza / San Lorenzo
Visit the burial site of Constantine's daughter, a Christian church built like the Pantheon. Afterwards, we make a stop at San Lorenzo fuori le Mura - built on land owned by a powerful 4th century female patron of the early church and important to the early Christian cult of saints.
Day 8 - Optional trip to Florence, Uffizi and David
Free day in Rome or optional excursion to Florence. Join Dr. Tulloch on a speed train, across Italy in just 1.5 hours. In Florence, view Michelangelo's David and tour the world-class Uffizi Museum. Return to Rome.

Day 9 - Return to the US

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May 28 - June 5 2008 From $2345

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Includes:
- Round trip airfare from New York to Rome
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Tourist Class Hotel accommodations
- Tour manager
- Ground transportation via public transportation or private motorcoach
- Entrance fees to sites visited
Not included:
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Charges (Estimated $175-225) which will be calculated at the time of final payment
- Lunches/Tips/Personal spending money

COMBINE WITH "BIBLICAL WOMEN"
Combine your journey with our Holy Land tour, "Biblical Women / Inclusive Biblical History" and save over $250 off the cost of taking each separately.

Discounted Price
The discounted price of $2345 is in effect until 95 days prior to departure. Afterwards, reservations may be made on a space-available basis for an additional $100 plus any increase in airfare.

College Credit
College credit is available as an independent study course but needs to be approved by your University or College. Franciscan Spirit Tours will provide details for those interested.

Hotels and Transportation:
In order to keep the cost of our journey reasonable in the face of a strong Euro, we will be staying in a well maintained, well managed tourist class hotel that provides all basic amenities - separate twin beds, private bathroom in each room, televisions or a TV room and daily maid service -- but NOT facilities such as refrigerators, room service, larger rooms, etc. Likewise, we will primarily use nearby public transportation. Every reasonable effort will be made for those wishing to upgrade accommodations or for car service to the sites at an additional charge.