Rome: St Peter’s Basilica Catholic Pilgrim Tour – Rome, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

The Eternal City of Rome is an endless labyrinth of breathtaking sights and historical landmarks but none is so striking, so important and so simply stunning as the magnificent Basilica of St Peter. Pretty much first on most itineraries, regardless of faith, St Peter’s must be seen to be believed, so join us on an exhilarating tour and a spiritual experience in the beating heart of Christendom!

Built at the location where St Peter himself was crucified upside down in around the year 67, this Major Basilica is the gateway to the Vatican city-state and, while not the highest-ranking church in the world (that’s St John Lateran on the other side of town), it is certainly one of the most important. 

Today’s basilica was built during the golden age of art and architecture by some of the greatest masters to have ever lived. Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini are just some of the names associated with the design and construction of the edifice, its unmistakeable dome and vast piazza, where tens of thousands of pilgrims gather frequently to catch a glimpse the Pope.

On our specially tailored tour for traditional Catholic pilgrims and those interested in the spirituality beyond the architecture, our scholarly guide will lead you on a journey of faith and enlightenment. We’ll see Michelangelo’s masterpiece La Pietà and pay homage to the tomb and Relics of St Peter and of Christ’s Passion, including the Holy Lance that pierced Jesus’ side while upon the cross, a section of that Holy Cross, and the Veil of Veronica.

We’ll explore the rich history of the basilica and also venerate some of the numerous popes buried here, including John XXIII and John-Paul II. Essentially the nucleus of the autonomous sovereign Vatican state, we’ll also explore the post-reformation royal connections of St Peter’s, including the monument to the Royal house of the Stuarts and that of Princess Christina of Sweden, who abdicated in order to convert to Catholicism.

Down below today’s basilica in the archaeological digs is also the site of the original basilica dedicated to St Peter, built by the Emperor Constantine following his conversion and legalisation of Christianity throughout the empire in the early 4th century.

This bite-sized tour of 60-90 minutes is an ideal low-budget option for those with reduced mobility or time to spare. It is also the first segment of our epic 4½-hour Crucis Holy Doors Pilgrim Tour, which takes in all four of Rome’s Major Basilicas in one day. Each the site of a set of Holy Doors, pilgrims may gain a Partial Indulgence by passing through all four during the Holy Jubileum Year of 2025.

Those not continuing with us to St Paul’s and beyond for the full tour will take their leave in the awesome Piazza San Pietro with plenty of the morning still to spare. A stroll along the magnificent thoroughfare of Via della Conciliazione brings you to Castel Sant’Angelo and beyond, the sublime heart of Renaissance Rome.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Traditional Catholic tour of St Peter’s Basilica
Led by learned scholars devoted to the Catholic faith
Devout Catholic guide with theological insight
Location of one of the four Holy Doors
Make pilgrimage before or during the Holy Jubileum Year of 2025

Discover top places to stay, exciting tours, and unforgettable events in Italy, and popular cities like Amalfi, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pompei, and Rome.