Embark on a spiritual pilgrimage through Rome, visiting the Seven Pilgrim Churches traditionally associated with St. Philip Neri, one of the great saints of the Catholic Church. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith while exploring some of the most significant and beautiful basilicas in the Eternal City.
Your journey begins at the heart of Catholicism—St. Peter's Basilica. Here, you’ll stand before Michelangelo's Pietà, marvel at the grandeur of the Vatican, and contemplate the tomb of St. Peter himself. The basilica’s immense size and its significance as the center of the Catholic Church will set the tone for the pilgrimage ahead. Your guide will explain the history of St. Peter’s, its art, and its place in the spiritual life of Catholics worldwide.
Next, visit the grand Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major papal basilicas. This church is famous for its awe-inspiring mosaics and its deep connection to Marian devotion. The Basilica’s ancient origins and its role in Rome’s Christian history will be brought to life as you explore its chapels, particularly the Chapel of the Manger, said to house relics of the nativity.
We will then proceed to the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the Pope and the oldest of the four papal basilicas. It is here that you’ll discover the rich history of the papacy and the church’s role in shaping Christianity. The Lateran Archbasilica stands as a symbol of the unbroken line of papal leadership, and its stunning interior, including the magnificent Holy Stairs, will leave you spiritually inspired.
You will make your own way to the meeting points