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Offered languages
- English
Begun in the year 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, the Church has encouraged pilgrims to come to the four most important churches in Christendom - the Major Basilicas - and to enter them through their holy doors.
There are only 4 Major Basilicas in the world - the highest ranking of all churches - and they are all in Rome.
Following in the steps of saints and pilgrims for centuries and millenia before you, we give you the chance to visit the official Four Papal Major Basilicas of Rome and dispose yourselves towards the receipt of the attached indulgences.
The Ancient Four Major Basilicas of Rome are the Basilica of St Peter, the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St Mary Major and the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran.
Pilgrims booked with us on this tour will have the chance to enter each of these Papal Basilicas through their Holy Doors with an expert guide.
**Please inform us in advance if you have mobility difficulties so that we might better assist you**
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please arrive at the fountain on the wall of Piazza Giovanni XXIII, nearby Lungotevere Vaticano and look for the guide holding the orange sign with the lion head on it.
The tour ends in the piazza in front of the church.
Itinerary
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1St. Peter's Basilica
Our tour begins at the Vatican with the Basilica of St Peter built over the place where St Peter's body still lies. Once you have entered into St Peters, our expert Catholic guide will give you a tour of the interior of the Basilica including Michelangelo's Pietà, the relics and altars of the major saints of the Catholic Church and the history involved and of course the body of St Peter buried underneath the High Altar here.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
The Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls is where the remains of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, St Paul, are to this day. Pilgrims will see the chains that bound St Paul during his incarceration and house arrest here in Rome before also viewing his newly excavated Sarcophagus before being given a tour of the rest of this ancient Theodosian Basilica.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran (San Giovanni) - the Cathedral of Rome. Here, you will again receive a detailed tour of the interior and its history including the story of the ancient mosaics, and stand before the heads of Saints Peter & Paul, brought into the Basilica and placed above the altar in the year 1300.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
St Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) - perhaps the oldest church dedicated to Mary in Rome, but certainly the most important - to once more marvel at it's golden interior and learn all about the fascinating features including the different popes buried here, the relics of the crib of the nativity of Christ, the miraculous icon of Salus Populi Romani and countless other stunning features.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility difficulties
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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