Traverse the awe-inspiring religious pathway encircling Rome to behold its seven most grandiose churches.
Rome, one of the world's most iconic cities and a bastion of Catholicism, invites pilgrims to follow in the footsteps of a 16th-century saint for a unique and spiritually enriching journey. The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, conceived by St. Philip Neri, offers an alternative way to explore Rome's myriad religious monuments while circumventing the crowds.
With over 30 million annual visitors and 2025 marked as a significant year for Rome as the Vatican celebrates a Jubilee Year, visitors may find it challenging to navigate the city's religious treasures. However, this ancient pilgrimage route provides a well-trodden path through Rome's historical heart.
Though the route varies slightly, the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches typically spans approximately 25 kilometers, snaking around the city and connecting seven major basilicas. Beginning early in the morning, this full-day challenge can be undertaken in one day or spread over several days using public transportation to return to points of departure.
The pilgrimage commences at St. Peter's Basilica, one of Christianity's most significant sites. Given the church's current popularity, it is advisable to arrive at queuing times to enjoy the artistic treasures inside, such as Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Baldacchino.
Further down the route, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, an hour's walk away, showcases sacred Byzantine icons and offers a chance to see other landmarks during daylight and open hours. The path leads past Sant'Angelo castle and across the homonymous bridge, with stunning views of the Tiber River.
Visitors then traverse Piazza Navona, featuring Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain, and pass by the majestic Trevi Fountain before reaching Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis chose to be buried.
The route continues to San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, housing the reconstructed church built on the ancient site of St. Lawrence's martyrdom and the saint's relics. Another half-hour walk leads to the Baroque Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, home to some of Christianity's most famous relics recovered by St. Helen.
The final leg of the journey takes you to San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome's Cathedral and the oldest and most important basilica in the West, featuring relics of the Apostles Peter and Paul inside an exquisite gilded canopy.
The route concludes at the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, the second-largest church in Rome, offering a peaceful respite before returning to St. Peter's.
For those wishing to experience Rome's religious and cultural heritage in a profound way, the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches provides a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims, immersing oneself in Rome's historical richness and spiritual significance.
Engaging in this historical pilgrimage, called the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, can allow individuals to not only explore Rome's religious landmarks but also to delve into its home-and-garden sceneries as they traverse Piazza Navona and cross Sant'Angelo bridge, offering picturesque views of the Tiber River. Furthermore, this holy journey extends beyond just spiritual enrichment, providing opportunities for travelers to appreciate Rome's lifestyle and uncover its hidden gems while exploring less crowded paths.
