Pilgrimages to Rome � In the Heart of the Catholic Church

�All roads lead to Rome� � and for the pilgrim, they lead straight to the heart of the Church.

Walk in the Footsteps of the Saints and Apostles

For over two thousand years, *Rome* has been the centre of Catholic life � a sacred city where martyrs gave their lives for the faith, where popes have led the Church, and where the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul continue to inspire generations of pilgrims. A pilgrimage to Rome is more than a journey through history; it is a living encounter with the roots of Christianity.

As you walk the ancient streets of the Eternal City, the story of salvation unfolds before your eyes. From the majesty of St. Peter�s Basilica to the catacombs that whisper of the early Church�s courage, every step taken is one closer to the heart of faith. In Rome, heaven and earth meet through prayer, beauty, and profound reverence.

Spiritual Highlights of a Rome Pilgrimage

At the centre of every pilgrimage to Rome is the Vatican. You�ll stand before the magnificent fa�ade of St. Peter�s Basilica, the world�s largest church, built over the tomb of the first pope. Beneath its golden dome, you will join pilgrims from every corner of the world in prayer and celebration of Holy Mass. No visit is complete without spending time in the Crypt of the Popes and climbing to the dome for panoramic views over St. Peter�s Square.

You�ll have the opportunity to attend a Papal Audience (subject to the Pope�s schedule), a moving experience of unity and blessing with the Holy Father. From there, your pilgrimage continues into the treasures of faith: the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the resting place of the great Apostle to the Gentiles; St. John Lateran, the Pope�s cathedral as Bishop of Rome; and St. Mary Major, where the crib relic of the Infant Jesus is venerated.

Many pilgrimages include time at the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), said to be the steps Jesus climbed during His Passion, brought to Rome by St. Helena. Pilgrims often ascend these on their knees in silent prayer. The Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto take you deep underground into the early Christian world, where faith was forged in secrecy and strength.

Explore Rome�s Sacred and Cultural Beauty

While the spiritual heart of Rome is the Church, the city�s cultural beauty lifts the soul just as powerfully. Pilgrims will explore the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, walk the cobbled lanes of the Trastevere district, and pause to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. A visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is a highlight, where Michelangelo�s frescoes reveal the story of creation and redemption in vivid colour.

Meals are often enjoyed in family-run trattorias near historic piazzas, where pilgrims can savour authentic Roman cuisine and reflect on the blessings of the day. Each evening offers time for quiet prayer, group sharing, or simply sitting in a Roman church lit only by candlelight.

Why Travel with Marian Pilgrimages?

Our Rome pilgrimages are fully escorted and deeply prayerful, led by experienced spiritual directors and guides. You�ll stay in quality centrally located accommodation, enjoy private transport, daily Mass, and guided visits to every major shrine and sacred site. Whether travelling alone, with friends, or as a parish group, you will be welcomed into a community of fellow pilgrims united by faith and purpose.

Many choose to combine Rome with Assisi, Padua, or San Giovanni Rotondo to create a fuller Italian pilgrimage, following the lives of saints like St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Anthony, and Padre Pio. Every Marian Pilgrimages programme is designed to nourish the soul through beauty, community, and grace.

Answer the Call to Rome

Whether this is your first pilgrimage or a return to a beloved city, Rome always offers something new. It is a place where prayers feel closer to heaven, where the witness of saints becomes tangible, and where the foundations of the Church remain alive in stone, scripture, and sacrament. Join us, and let the Eternal City lead you deeper into the heart of God.

With Marian Pilgrimages, your journey is more than travel�it is a sacred path to grace. All of our pilgrimages are fully escorted, prayerfully planned, and supported by expert local guides and our dedicated Marian team.

Frequently Asked Questions � Rome Pilgrimages

Is a Papal Audience guaranteed during the pilgrimage?
Papal Audiences are offered most Wednesdays when the Pope is in Rome. Attendance is dependent on the Vatican schedule, but our team will arrange access whenever available.

Do I need to be very fit to join a Rome pilgrimage?
Rome involves moderate walking, often on cobbled streets and inclines. Comfortable shoes and a basic level of mobility are advised. We offer support for those with limited mobility when requested.

Can I combine Rome with Assisi or other Italian shrines?
Yes. Many of our pilgrimages include visits to Assisi, Padua, or San Giovanni Rotondo. These create a spiritually rich experience with varied saints and regions.

What type of accommodation is included?
We use trusted, centrally located 3* or 4* hotels with breakfast and dinner included. Our hotels are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and proximity to pilgrimage sites.

Will Mass be offered every day?
Yes. Mass is a central part of each day and is celebrated at significant religious sites whenever possible.