Holy Sites Walking Tour (Self Guided), Rome

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage, starting with the oldest and highest of the four papal basilicas, named after St. John in Lateran. Even before entering, you will be stunned by its magnificent façade and grandiose statues of Christ and the Twelve Apostles, created in the beginning of the 18th century by several prominent Italian sculptors.

Among other highlights is the San Pietro in Vincoli, again very beautiful and particular, though most of the attention will rightly be focused on the statue of Moses: impossible to fully describe in words, but there isn’t an art history book that doesn't mention it! Nearby Santa Maria Maggiore was the first basilica to be consecrated to Virgin Mary (in year 434 A.D.) and is one of the Seven Great Pilgrim Churches of Rome, which makes it very important and therefore a must-visit.

You will also pass by the baroque Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the ancient Pantheon, as well as lesser-known sights like Santa Maria sopra Minerva - the only true Gothic cathedral in Rome, which packs a large punch despite its small size.

For these and other places of worship packed with treasures, follow our walk and learn more about their history along the way.

Getting to Sight #1. The first tour stop (St. Peter's Square) can be reach by Bus: Bus: 23, 31, 49, 490, 40 Express and and 116 electric bus; Train: FL3, Metro: line A.