The Seven Churches Tour

“The Seven Churches Tour is an ancient Catholic pilgrimage that has been taking place in Rome for centuries, dating back to medieval times. This sacred journey, also known as ‘The Visit of the Seven Churches,’ involves visiting seven basilicas and important churches in the city, symbolizing devotion and faith for the faithful."

"Origins and History"

"The origins of the Seven Churches Tour date back to medieval times when pilgrims from around the world traveled to Rome to perform acts of penance and venerate the relics of martyrs. During the pilgrimage, devotees visited seven churches selected for their spiritual and historical significance, following a well-defined route that culminated with prayers at the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican."

"The Traditional Route"

"The traditional route of the Seven Churches Tour includes the following churches:“

  1. St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican: The most important basilica in Christianity, built on the site of Saint Peter’s martyrdom.

  2. St. Paul Outside the Walls: One of the four ancient papal basilicas of Rome, erected on the site of the Apostle Paul’s martyrdom.

  3. St. Sebastian Outside the Walls: A church dedicated to the Christian martyr Saint Sebastian, located along the Appian Way.

  4. Holy Cross in Jerusalem: A church that houses fragments of the True Cross and other sacred relics.

  5. St. John Lateran: The cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and one of the four papal basilicas in the city.

  6. St. Mary Major: One of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

  7. St. Lawrence Outside the Walls: One of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, built on the site of Saint Lawrence’s martyrdom.

”Spiritual Significance"

"The Seven Churches Tour is an opportunity for the faithful to meditate on the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, as well as the lives and martyrdoms of the saints venerated in each church. This pilgrimage offers participants the chance to renew their faith, pray for their intentions, and obtain spiritual graces through the veneration of sacred relics and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament."

"The Seven Churches Tour Today"

"Today, the Seven Churches Tour continues to attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world, both for religious and cultural reasons. Many groups organize guided pilgrimages along the route of the seven churches, offering participants the opportunity to explore the rich history and sacred art of Rome’s churches. The pilgrimage can be done on foot, by bicycle, or using other means of transportation, thus following in the footsteps of the devout who undertook this sacred journey over the centuries."

"Why Take the Seven Churches Tour"

"The Seven Churches Tour in Rome represents an important religious and cultural tradition that remains alive and vibrant today. By visiting the city’s seven historic churches, pilgrims have the opportunity to deepen their faith, reflect on the Church’s millennia-old history, and experience the unique beauty and spirituality of the Eternal City.”

Google Maps Route