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The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches

Giro delle Sette Chiese

Walk in the footsteps of Saint Philip Neri through Rome. Discover this centuries-old spiritual tradition linking the seven major basilicas in a journey of prayer and beauty.

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A tradition born in the heart of Rome

Since the 16^th century, thousands of pilgrims have walked the paths of the Eternal City.

In the 16^th century, Saint Philip Neri (1515–1595), a Roman priest of Florentine origin and founder of the Oratory, proposed to the faithful of Rome an original form of pilgrimage: to visit in a single day the seven major basilicas of the city.

"Dear pilgrim, go with confidence along the roads of Rome. They will lead you to Peter, Paul, John, and the apostles of Jesus."

This devotion, called the Giro delle Sette Chiese, was born as a response to the Roman carnival. Philip Neri wished to offer a joyful spiritual alternative, combining prayer, walking, singing and picnicking in the Roman countryside that then separated the basilicas.

Illustrious saints have completed this pilgrimage: Ignatius of Loyola, Bridget of Sweden, Teresa of Ávila, Charles Borromeo and Pope Saint Pius V. The tradition remains alive today, particularly on Ash Wednesday and during Lent.

Cover of the Guide to the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches

The Seven Basilicas

A route of approximately 25 km through the history, art and faith of Rome.

The four major basilicas

San Pietro in Vaticano

Saint Peter's Basilica

The heart of Christianity, built over the tomb of the apostle Peter. A masterpiece by Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini. The pilgrimage begins here, at the threshold of the Vatican.

San Paolo fuori le Mura

Saint Paul Outside the Walls

A major basilica erected over the tomb of Saint Paul. Rebuilt after the fire of 1823, it retains its spectacular mosaics and portraits of all the popes.

San Giovanni in Laterano

Saint John Lateran

The cathedral of Rome and "mother of all churches in the world." Founded by Constantine, it houses the Scala Santa and the oldest baptistery in Christendom.

Santa Maria Maggiore

The largest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Founded after the miracle of the snow in August 358, it preserves the most precious early Christian mosaics in Rome.

The three minor basilicas

San Sebastiano fuori le Mura

Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls

Guardian of the catacombs that bear its name. It once temporarily housed the relics of Peter and Paul. A church of memory and silence on the Via Appia.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

Holy Cross in Jerusalem

The imperial chapel of Saint Helena, mother of Constantine. It preserves notable relics of the Passion of Christ brought back from the Holy Land.

San Lorenzo fuori le Mura

Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls

Basilica of the deacon and martyr Lawrence, burned alive under Valerian in 258. A unique assembly of two fused churches, it is also the burial place of Pius IX.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know to undertake the pilgrimage.

Distance

Approximately 25 km of walking through the city. Allow 8 to 10 hours including visits to the basilicas and times for prayer.

When to go

Strong tradition on Ash Wednesday and during Lent. Possible year-round. Avoid July–August (heat). Spring and autumn are ideal.

Opening Hours

Basilicas generally open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. Saint Peter's closes at 7:00 pm in summer. Recommended departure: 7:00 am from the Vatican.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks. A shawl for the shoulders. The pilgrimage guide for prayers and the history of each stage.

Itinerary

San Pietro → San Paolo → San Sebastiano → San Giovanni → Santa Croce → San Lorenzo → Santa Maria Maggiore. Follow the historic route of Philip Neri.

Spirit of the pilgrimage

Philip Neri wanted a joyful pilgrimage. There is prayer, singing and picnicking along the way. What matters is the disposition of the heart, not athletic performance.

Where to get the guide

Guide du Pèlerinage des Sept Églises by Marc Reverdin — Preface by Mgr Rino Fisichella, organiser of the 2025 Jubilee.

Order online

From the shop of the Pious French Establishments in Rome.
€12 — delivery across Europe.

Buy in French Buy in Italian

In store in Rome

At the shop of the Church of Saint-Louis-des-Français, steps from the Pantheon.

Address: Piazza di San Luigi dei Francesi, 00186 Roma
Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 9:30 am–12:45 pm / 2:30 pm–6:30 pm
Sat: 9:30 am–12:00 pm / 2:30 pm–6:30 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm–12:45 pm / 2:30 pm–6:30 pm

The Author

Marc Reverdin

Entrepreneur and former diplomat, Marc Reverdin lives in Rome. Passionate about the history of the Eternal City and its spiritual traditions, he set out to write this guide to share the richness of the Giro delle Sette Chiese with English-speaking pilgrims.

Drawing on many years of Roman life and of accompanying pilgrims, this guide — currently being translated into four languages — is the fruit of personal experience and in-depth historical research, in service of those who wish to discover Rome at its deepest.