Essential Places for Pilgrimage in Rome to enrich your faith journey
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Rome, the Eternal City. With thousands of years worth of history, deciding between hundreds of churches can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, it is absolutely possible to get a taste of Rome in just a few days. The EWTN Travel team picked 15 top spots around the city. In the video, we show you how you can see them all in three days. Let’s get started.
Estimated Time: 7 hours
Places to Visit
For our other Top Itineraries, please see the Major Papal Basilicas Tour and the Vatican Museums Tour. For more sites, please visit the Churches in Rome Map.
St. Peter's Basilica
Heart of the Catholic Church, largest basilica in the world, and burial place of St. Peter
Located within the Vatican and known around the world as the home of the Catholic church and resting place of the Apostle Peter. While the actual bones of Saint Peter are not open to public viewing, upon entering the basilica, one of the first things you will see is the famous Baldacchino.
Built by Bernini in 1623, the bronze and wood spirals rise above the resting place of the first pope. It is also centered perfectly beneath the dome, which at 448 feet is not only the tallest dome in the world but also the highest point in Rome.
Castel Sant'Angelo/Ponte Sant'Angelo
Medieval Fortress with Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel
Castel Sant'Angelo, originally constructed as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, later transformed into a fortress for the popes to safeguard against attacks. In 847, Pope Leo IV fortified the area by extending a wall from the castle to encompass the surrounding neighborhood, which is now Vatican City and parts of Trastevere. The fortress played a crucial role in protecting Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome, when the Pope took refuge there for several months amidst the city’s looting.
Legend holds that during a procession led by Pope St. Gregory the Great, St. Michael the Archangel appeared as a divine sign to end a plague. In gratitude, Pope Boniface IV commissioned the construction of a church within Castel Sant'Angelo dedicated to St. Michael. This transformed the fortress into a place of devotion, where prayers for healing and intercession were offered.
In front of the castle lies the Ponte Sant'Angelo, originally known as the Aelian Bridge, built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. This bridge, a major pilgrim route connecting the historic center to the Vatican, is adorned with Baroque statues sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Each angel statue on the bridge holds an instrument of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, adding a layer of sacred artistry to this historic passageway.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
French National Church & Iconic Paintings by Caravaggio of St. Matthew
Built in the 16th century to serve the large French community in the city, this church began construction during the pontificate of Pope Clement VIII. The project was overseen by renowned architects Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta, who also worked on St. Peter's Basilica.
The church is renowned for housing three masterpieces by Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio. These iconic paintings, located in the Contarelli Chapel on the far left side of the church, vividly depict the life of the evangelist Matthew. They illustrate his calling, the divine inspiration he received for writing Holy Scripture, and his eventual martyrdom.
Pantheon
Converted into a Catholic Church in 8th Century and called "Holy Mary & All the Martyrs"
The Pantheon was originally constructed as a pagan temple dedicated to all the Olympian gods, and was comissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century AD. Some believe that Emperor Hadrian designed it himself. In the 7th century, the Pantheon was converted into a church by Pope Boniface IV, who dedicated the temple to Holy Mary and all the martyrs.
It is still an active church till this day. On the Feast of Pentecost, firefighters climb to the top of dome and drop rose petals through the occulus signifying the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Gothic church and resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena.
Built atop the site of a former temple dedicated to Minerva, this Basilica stands as one of Rome's two Gothic churches and one of the oldest homes of the Order of Preachers. It is renowned for being the resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena.
As pilgrims approach the Basilica, they are greeted by a distinctive obelisk supported by a base in the form of an elephant, designed by the celebrated Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The obelisk was relocated from Campo Marzo to the church plaza. Construction of the current Basilica began in 1280, with significant renovations and additions made over the centuries.
Saint Catherine of Siena's body rests prominently beneath the high altar, while the church also houses the remains of the renowned painter Blessed Fra Angelico. A side altar displays the famous crucifix associated with St. Camillus of Lellis, who was inspired by it to found his order.
Continuing a centuries-old tradition, the church is still maintained by the Order of Preachers, who reside in the adjacent convent. The community gathers three times a day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in the Basilica.
Trevi Fountain
Reknowned baroque fountain with ties to the papacy and ancient aqueducts
The Trevi Fountain, located near the historic Quirinal Palace—once a papal residence—is one of Rome's most celebrated landmarks. Its water flows from the Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 19 BC to supply the city with fresh drinking water. After falling into disrepair following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the aqueduct was restored by Pope Nicholas V. The magnificent Baroque fountain itself was commissioned by Pope Clement XII in the 18th century.
At the heart of the fountain is a grand depiction of Neptune, the god of the sea, flanked by tritons and sea horses. The Trevi Fountain is also famous for the tradition of tossing coins over one's left shoulder, a gesture believed to ensure a return to the Eternal City. The coins collected from the fountain are used by the city of Rome to support charitable causes and aid the needy.
Spanish Steps & Basilica of Trinità dei Monti
The church and obelisk above the famous Spanish Steps
Perched majestically above the famed Spanish Steps, the Church of Trinità dei Monti is distinguished by its unique pair of bell towers, an uncommon feature in Roman architecture. Consecrated in 1594, the church features 17 chapels, each named after influential families who patronized it during the 16th century. It was commissioned by French King Charles VIII.
The Spanish Steps, constructed in the 18th century, were designed to connect the church with the Piazza di Spagna, which features the iconic Boat Fountain and is situated near the Spanish Embassy.
Chiesa del Gesù
Mother church of the Society of Jesus. Tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola & Relics of St. Francis Xavier
Chiesa del Gesù, the mother church of the Society of Jesus, stands as a masterpiece of Baroque art. Its soaring ceilings are adorned with golden arches and intricate carvings, while white angels seem to dance and sing amidst billowing clouds and rays of sunlight that break through the painted frame.
This striking artistic and architectural style was crafted to evoke deep spiritual emotions, particularly in response to the Protestant Reformation, using vivid colors and dynamic forms. Built in 1568, Chiesa del Gesù is the spiritual heart of the Jesuit order. The church houses the altar and tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola, its founder, and holds the relics of St. Francis Xavier, another prominent Jesuit.
Roman Forum
Political, commercial and religious center of ancient Rome, home to several churches
The Roman Forum, once the epicenter of political, commercial, and religious life in ancient Rome, saw many of its pagan temples converted into Christian churches following the legalization of Christianity and its establishment as the state religion.
Today, visitors can explore Santa Maria Antiqua within the Parco Foro Romano, while several other historic churches are accessible outside the park. Notable examples include San Sebastiano al Palatino, Santa Francesca Romana, Sts. Cosmas and Damien, and St. Joseph of the Carpenters. The latter church also houses the Mammertine Prison, where Saints Peter and Paul were imprisoned at different times.
However, some of these churches did not withstand the ravages of time. Many were destroyed or damaged when Benito Mussolini commissioned the construction of Via dei Fori Imperiali, which connects the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia.
Colosseum
A Beloved Icon of Roman History
The Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly known as the Colosseum, stands as one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Rome. Constructed in the first century, the amphitheatre originally hosted grand spectacles such as animal hunts and gladiatorial games. Over the centuries, its purpose has evolved, eventually becoming a site for systematic restoration and excavation while welcoming millions of visitors each year.
During the era of Christian persecution, the Colosseum witnessed the martyrdom of thousands. In commemoration of this history, a Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) is held at the site each Good Friday, often attended by the Holy Father.
Basilica of San Clemente
Home of the Tomb of Saint Clement & Early Christian Frescoes
An early 12th Century church that was built over a pre-existing 4th Century church and a previous pagan temple, the Basilica of San Clemente is dedicated to the fourth ponfiff, Pope St. Clement I, who was martyred in Crimea and whose relics have been placed under the main altar.
Every November 23, on the feast day of St. Clement, the Irish Dominicans, custodians of Rome’s Basilica of St. Clement, make a procession with the saint’s relics through the surrounding neighborhood.
The procession recalls the transfer of the relics of Saint Clement from Crimea to Rome by the brother-Saints Cyril and Methodius in the year 868. The relics were enshrined here in the Basilica, held to be erected over the house of St. Clement in Rome.
Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)
Participating in the Passion of Christ
According to tradition, Empress St. Helena brought the Holy Stairs from the Palace of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. These are believed to be the same steps that Jesus ascended during His Passion. The complex also houses the Sancta Santorum, the first private chapel of the popes, which was originally connected to the Lateran Palace across the road.
Pilgrims are invited to ascend the Holy Stairs on their knees, participating in Christ’s Passion as an act of devotion and penance.
Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Home of Saint Helena's Treasures
According to a collection of testimonies of the lives of saints, known as the "Golden Legend", St. Helena, in 326 A.D. made a journey destined to remain imprinted in history. She decided to travel to the Holy Land to visit the sites of Christ's Passion. And from this pilgrimage she brought back to Rome important relics; one of which was a fragment of the 'True Cross of Jesus'.
This church holds, according to tradition, the relics of Christ's passion and death. Founded by Emperor Constantine, as noted in the Liber Pontificalis, a biography of Pope St. Sylvester I (314-335 A.D.), the church was dedicated to the Holy Cross during the Middle Ages.