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Papal churches

Rome.
  • Churches
  • 4 Hours
  • Accessibility
  • Private tour
  • Guide sharing

Description

Papal Churches

The Major Basilicas of Rome – Papal Churches or Patriarchal Basilicas – are the four most signifying ones within the rank of the Roman Catholic churches.

They are : St. Peter's in the Vatican ; St. John Lateran ; St. Paul Outside the Walls ; St. Mary Major

The visit to those churches is recommended as one of our Special Tours dedicated to Jubilee 2016.

Since hundreds of years , the visit to those four Basilicas is part of the standard pilgrimage to the city of Rome in the occasion of a Holy Year : these four Major Basilicas are distinguished by their having a Holy Door and for being prescribed as destinations for visits as one of the conditions for gaining the Roman Jubilee.

Only the Pope and his delegates may celebrate mass at the high altar.

Until recently, the four churches were open 24 hours a day; their staff included a college of priests to be continually available to hear confessions.

This year, in the occasion of the Jubilee of Mercy , they will host special ceremonies and celebrations.

What's included

All our tours focus on Art History and Religious History. All our tours are provide in English. Additional languages can be provided on request.

For groups larger than 6 people we provide free headsets to listen to your guide’s voice.

All our tours grant:

  • Skip-the-line entrance at scheduled time.
  • 4 hrs guided tour throughout the itinerary.
  • Free headsets provided for groups larger than 6 people.
  • Guide sharing mode: maximum 9 people together (Private groups have no limit in number).
  • St. Peter's Basilica: history, art and visit, focusing on the Holy door and the Grave of Peter.
  • Archbasilica of St. John Lateran: history, art and visit, focusing on Constantine’s Baptismal Font and the Holy See.
  • Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: history, art and visit, focusing on the mosaic on the Life of Mary and the relic of the Holy Cradle.
  • Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls: history, art and visit, focusing on the tomb of apostle Paul.
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Schedule

All year round
Monday 09.00 - 18.00
Tuesday 09.00 - 18.00
Wednesday 09.00 - 18.00
Thursday Closed
Friday 09.00 - 18.00
Saturday 09.00 - 18.00
Sunday 10.00 - 18.00
Last Admission 17.00