Welcome to Rome, where the Jubilee 2025 promises a divine mix of history, spirituality, and maybe a little bit of divine intervention. Whether you're a seasoned pilgrim with a stamp collection of holy sites or a first-timer trying to navigate the sea of selfie sticks, Rome’s holy sites are ready to offer you an unforgettable journey of faith and adventure. So, lace up those comfy shoes, and get ready for a spiritual escapade that’s more enriching than a Roman gelato!
St. Peter's Basilica
First stop: St. Peter's Basilica. It’s the crown jewel of the Vatican and the heart of Christendom. You’ll be awestruck by its sheer size and grandeur. Make a beeline for Michelangelo’s Pietà, an exquisite sculpture that captures the sorrow and serenity of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus. Then, head down to St. Peter’s tomb, believed to be the final resting place of the apostle himself. If you’re up for it, the climb to the top of the dome offers a panoramic view of Rome that’s worth every step. Just remember, modest attire is a must—cover those shoulders and knees!
St. John Lateran
Next, let’s visit St. John Lateran, the oldest and most important basilica in the Western world. As the Pope's official cathedral, it’s got serious clout. Enter through the Holy Door, opened only during Jubilee years, and feel the centuries of history wash over you. Don’t miss the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs that Jesus supposedly climbed during his trial. Pilgrims traditionally ascend these stairs on their knees—a test of faith and endurance that’ll give your legs a workout!
St. Mary Major
St. Mary Major is a basilica with a bit of everything. It’s one of the four major basilicas and boasts some serious relics, including pieces of the Holy Crib. The highlight here is the Sistine Chapel—not to be confused with the one in the Vatican—which is adorned with beautiful frescoes. And if you’re into mosaics, the ones here will leave you spellbound. It’s a quieter spot compared to St. Peter’s, perfect for some reflective time.
St. Paul Outside the Walls
Finally, head over to St. Paul Outside the Walls. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the trek. This basilica houses the tomb of St. Paul, the apostle who spread Christianity far and wide. The Four Holy Doors are a unique feature here, and each one tells a different story. The cloisters are a peaceful retreat, with intricate carvings and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in the bustling city. It’s a place to contemplate and connect with the spiritual legacy of St. Paul.
Other Major Holy Sites
Next up, visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This place is like Disneyland for art lovers, minus the roller coasters. You’ll wander through the Raphael Rooms, a series of chambers frescoed by the master himself, and then, the pièce de résistance—the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s ceiling is a jaw-dropper, and don’t forget to look at The Last Judgment on the altar wall. Just remember, no photos allowed inside, so commit those masterpieces to memory!
Ready for a bit of subterranean exploration? The Catacombs are a must-visit. Head to the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano for a journey back to early Christian times. These underground burial sites are a mix of eerie and fascinating, with intricate frescoes and ancient crypts. It’s a cool (literally and figuratively) escape from the Roman heat and a chance to see where early Christians practiced their faith in secret.
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Legend has it that these stairs were brought from Jerusalem and that Jesus climbed them during his Passion. Whether you believe the story or not, climbing the Holy Stairs on your knees is a powerful experience. Each step is a reminder of the devotion and sacrifice that these stairs symbolize. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a bit of a workout without hitting the gym!
San Clemente is like a historical layer cake. On the surface, you have a beautiful medieval church, but delve deeper, and you’ll discover a 4th-century basilica and even a Mithraeum—a temple dedicated to the ancient god Mithras. It’s an archaeological adventure that takes you through different eras of Rome’s past, all in one spot.
This Gothic gem stands out in Rome’s sea of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is home to Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer and Bernini’s quirky elephant statue carrying an ancient obelisk. It’s a lesser-known treasure that offers a unique spiritual and artistic experience.
Last but certainly not least, visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo. This basilica may be a bit off the usual tourist trail, but it’s a serene and beautiful place to reflect. Admire the early Christian mosaics and pay your respects at the tomb of St. Lawrence, one of Rome’s most beloved martyrs.
Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, which houses relics of the Passion of Christ, including fragments of the True Cross. It’s a solemn and humbling place to visit, offering a deep connection to the roots of Christianity.
Getting around Rome
Navigating Rome can be as challenging as deciphering ancient Latin, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother:
🚌 Public Transport
- Buses and Trams: Rome’s bus and tram system is extensive and connects most major attractions. Tickets are cheap and can be purchased at tobacco shops (look for the "Tabacchi" sign) or metro stations. Remember to validate your ticket when you board.
- Metro:The metro has three lines—A, B, and C—that can quickly get you close to major sites like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Termini Station. It’s fast, but watch out for pickpockets during peak hours.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available but can be pricey. Always use official white taxis with a meter. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also an option but are less common than in other cities.
🚶♀️ On Foot
- Walking: Rome is a city best explored on foot. The cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways are part of its charm. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll cover a lot of ground.
🚲 Bikes and Scooters
- Bike Rentals: Consider renting a bike to explore Rome’s vast parks and quieter neighborhoods. Companies like Roma Rent Bike offer various options.
- Electric Scooters: E-scooters are becoming popular in Rome. Companies like Lime and Bird operate in the city, providing a fun and efficient way to zip around.
Eating Out
Exploring Rome will definitely work up an appetite. Here’s where to find the best food places!
- Trattorias and Osterias: Look for small, family-run restaurants called trattorias and osterias. They serve traditional Roman dishes like pasta carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe. Some recommendations include Trattoria da Enzo al 29 and Osteria della Suburra.
- Pizzerias: You can’t leave Rome without trying its pizza. For a classic experience, visit Pizzarium or Da Remo.
- Gelaterias: Cool off with some gelato. Look for artisanal gelaterias like Gelateria del Teatro or La Romana. Avoid places with mounds of brightly colored gelato—they’re usually not the best quality.
Resting Spots
- Parks and Gardens: Take a break in one of Rome’s beautiful parks. Villa Borghese offers vast green spaces and stunning views of the city. The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on the Aventine Hill is another peaceful spot.
- Quiet Churches: When you need a moment of reflection, pop into one of Rome’s many lesser-known churches. They offer a cool, quiet escape from the bustling city. Santa Maria in Trastevere and San Luigi dei Francesi are good options.
- Cafés: Enjoy a coffee or a light snack at a café. Sitting at a sidewalk table with a cappuccino and watching the world go by is a quintessential Roman experience. Try Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè or Tazza d’Oro.
Pickpocketing in Rome
One of the biggest concerns for tourists in Rome—and a factor that can sometimes give the city a bad reputation—is the presence of pickpockets. Roman pickpockets are skilled, and tourists are often their main targets. However, by taking the right precautions, Rome can be a very safe city for visitors.
❌ How to avoid pickpockets in Rome
To avoid being pickpocketed, stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions with your belongings. Make yourself look like too much trouble to bother with, and pickpockets will likely move on.
Here are a few simple precautions to make yourself virtually unassailable to thieves:
- Leave unnecessary items behind: If you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Leave large amounts of cash, spare credit cards, and your passport in the hotel safe. While you should carry photo ID by law, a photocopy of your passport or your driver’s license is usually sufficient if you’re stopped by the police.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: Pickpockets don’t always look suspicious or dirty. They can be well-dressed and blend in with regular commuters. If someone gets too close or acts strangely, no matter how respectable they look, be on your guard.
- Carry your bag in front: Always carry your bag in front of you. Wear small backpacks or purses across your chest or stomach, and if you’re in a crowd, fold your arms over them. Keep cameras on a strap around your neck and hold them in front of you.
- Avoid using back pockets: Don’t carry valuables in your back pocket, as they’re easy targets. Pockets of jackets not in contact with your body, even inside pockets, or the back pockets of backpacks are also vulnerable.
- Skip the fanny pack: Besides being a fashion faux pas, fanny packs move your valuables away from your body, making them easier to steal.
