10 holiest Christian sites to visit in Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, is not only famous for its ancient history and powerful emperors, with 27 centuries of uninterrupted history, but it is also the center of Christianity for over a billion believers worldwide. This means that traveling to Rome is not only an unforgettable journey, but for many visitors, it is a pilgrimage to discover some of the holiest places linked with the origins of Christianity. According to tradition, the apostles Saint Paul and Saint Peter died in Rome, and Jesus also appeared in the city during the reign of Emperor Nero. Let's find out together the most important Christian sites in Rome, the holiest to visit during a trip to the Eternal City.

Christianity was not born in Rome, but the Eternal City played a fundamental role in its history since it was the capital of the most powerful empire of the ancient world. According to tradition, Saint Peter founded the Christian Church in Rome by the will of Jesus Christ, and the Roman emperors began to convert to Christianity thanks to Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. With the affirmation of papal power and the election of Rome as the city of the Popes, the Eternal City became one of the holiest places for Christians, and over the centuries, significant holy palaces and churches have been built. From St. Peter's Basilica to the Lateran complex, follow our ultimate guide to the biblical and holy places to visit during a trip to Rome.

It is a must-see for any visitor to the Eternal City and probably the holiest place in Rome, St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the largest church in the world and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Located in the smallest state in the world, Vatican City, situated in the heart of Rome's historical city center, St. Peter's Basilica houses priceless art masterpieces, including Michelangelo's famous Pietà sculpture, Bernini's bronze canopy, as well as the iconic colonnade and the stunning dome designed by Michelangelo, and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The modern basilica, built in the 16th-17th centuries, is also the place where millions of pilgrims honor the Apostle Saint Peter, whose tomb lies beneath the altar.

It is the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the most magnificent holy places in Rome, the Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the four papal basilicas (the others are St. Peter's in Vatican City, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls) and it is an unforgettable stop for anyone exploring holy places in Rome. Located on the Esquiline Hill, the Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the few examples in Rome of a Paleochristian church and it houses holy relics like the Holy Crib and the venerable icon Salus Populi Romani, one of the most highly venerated in Rome, as well as the beautiful staircase made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The basilica, which combines stunning early Christian art with spiritual significance, has been for centuries the basilica most linked with the city of Rome.

It is an iconic treasure in Rome, a must-see for history lovers and culture seekers, but also a holy place for many believers: the Pontifical Sanctuary located near the Basilica of St. John Lateran has been the heart of Christianity for centuries. This ancient site includes the Holy Staircase, which according to tradition, is the marble staircase whose steps Jesus Christ ascended to Pontius Pilate's praetorium in Jerusalem during his Passion. At the top of the staircase is the Sancta Sanctorum, "Holy of Holies" in Latin, which has been the private chapel of the Popes for centuries. This chapel is one of the most venerated sanctuaries within the complex and houses important and precious relics, some of the most sacred in the Christian tradition.

It is one of the most historic landmarks in Rome, yhe Lateran Palace was the official residence of the Popes for centuries. Built at the end of the 16th century by Sixtus V, the Lateran Palace served as the royal palace for the Popes for about a thousand years and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich heritage. Located near the Basilica of St. John Lateran, this magnificent structure boasts stunning architecture and captivating artworks, and it is a significant site for understanding the power and influence of the Catholic Church in Rome's history.

It is the original cathedral of Rome, called the mother of all churches. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is one of the most important holy places in Rome. Representing the Papal cathedral and the official seat of the Pope, this sacred site is at the heart of the Catholic faith for believers around the world. Built by Constantine in the 4th century and expanded in the 13th century, the Basilica of St. John Lateran features incredible Baroque architecture, awe-inspiring artwork, and intricate frescoes, representing a profound connection to Rome's religious past. Like all four major basilicas in Rome, St. John Lateran has its own Holy Door, opened during Jubilee years.

It is a historically rich holy place just outside Rome, the Tre Fontane Abbey, located along the Laurentina Way, is a must-see for history lovers and religious believers. Connected with Saint Paul's life in Rome, the abbey is believed to be the site where the apostle was martyred. According to tradition, when Saint Paul's head was cut off, it bounced in three places and a fountain sprang up at each spot. The abbey complex was built on the site where the apostle was decapitated and it comprises three churches: the Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius founded in the 8th century, the Church of St. Mary of the Staircase to Heaven built in the 16th century, and the Church of St. Paul at the Three Fountains, founded in the 5th century and renovated in the 16th century by Giacomo della Porta.

It is one of the four papal basilicas of Rome, the second largest after St. Peter's, and one of Rome's most impressive holy places, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is the place where the Apostle Saint Paul was buried. This site holds a living testament to the Apostle Paul's legacy and great spiritual significance for any Christian believer. Built outside the historical Servian Walls, near the Ostiense district, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has stunning early Christian architecture, a vast collection of mosaics, a magnificent façade, beautiful towering columns, and tranquil cloisters.

It is the oldest prison in Rome, built by King Ancus Marcius in the 7th century BC., the Mamertine Prison is one of Rome's most fascinating historical sites. Located near the Roman Forum beneath the Church of St. Joseph of the Carpenters, this prison is famously known as the place where Saint Peter and Saint Paul were held before their martyrdom and for this reason, it is one of the most significant biblical landmarks in Rome. Inside the site, you can explore the chambers where ancient prisoners suffered in harsh conditions, while also learning about the pivotal moments of early Christian history that occurred here.

It is a hidden gem along the Appian Way and one of the most intriguing holy places in Rome, the Church of Domine Quo Vadis is a small church tied to the legendary Quo Vadis story. In fact, according to tradition, in this place, Jesus appeared to Saint Peter, who was leaving Rome during Nero's fire to escape martyrdom, asking "Domine, quo vadis?" (Lord, where are you going?), and Saint Peter answered "Venio Romam iterum crucifigi" ("I am coming to Rome to be crucified again"). The church, built on the site of this important spiritual event in the 9th century and renovated in the 17th century, offers not just historical significance but also stunning Romanesque architecture, and it is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore biblical places in Rome.

It is one of the most revered and important holy places in Rome, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is a stunning church located in the heart of Rome's historical city center. The basilica houses some of Christianity's most cherished relics, including pieces of the True Cross, from which the church takes its name. Built in the 4th century by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, the basilica is a fascinating blend of history, faith, and art. The beautiful Baroque architecture of the interiors also guards the holy relics of nails, part of the crown of thorns, and the titulus—the inscription INRI placed above Jesus on the cross.

The Holy Staircase, the site of Quo Vadis, the Mamertine Prison, as well as the four papal basilicas, Rome is full of holy sites for Christian believers around the world and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. Rome's Christian history is woven through every corner of the city, offering visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of the apostles and connect with centuries of Christian religious tradition.