The Rome IndexRome for pilgrims & religious visitors
The seven pilgrim churches, papal audiences and the sacred geography of the city.
The seven pilgrim churches
The traditional pilgrimage route visits seven basilicas: St Peter's, San Paolo fuori le Mura, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and San Sebastiano on the Appian Way. Walking all seven in a day was the traditional pilgrimage; modern visitors typically spread them across several days.
Papal audiences
General audiences with the Pope are held most Wednesdays in St Peter's Square (or the Paul VI Audience Hall in bad weather) — free tickets are available through the Prefecture of the Papal Household, bookable online or via national Catholic organisations. The Pope's Sunday Angelus from his window on St Peter's Square requires no ticket.
The Holy Door
During Jubilee Years (the next is 2025), a Holy Door at each of the four major basilicas is opened — passing through with prayer is a significant act of pilgrimage for Catholic visitors.