Rome's Holy Jubilee Pilgrimage: A Self-Guided Spiritual Audio Walking Tour
Places: 12 POIsDistance: 3.18 miDuration: 1h:27m
Tour #2464
About this English self-guided 1h:27m walking tour in Rome
Hello there.
My name is Mary, and I will be your guide on this exciting tour of Rome’s Holy Jubilee sites.
Together, we’ll walk through sacred streets, visit beautiful basilicas, and uncover the stories behind each landmark.
If you're already on your way to the first stop, let's wait a moment before getting there, so I can tell you a bit about the tour before we start.
This self-guided audio walking tour takes us through the heart of Rome, focusing on sites significant to the Jubilee Pilgrimage.
The carefully curated route introduces you to some of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks, from the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica to the historic depths of Castel Sant’Angelo and the architectural marvel of the Pantheon.
Discover the spiritual significance of basilicas like Santa Maria Maggiore and admire the artistic beauty of Piazza Navona and Chiesa Nuova.
This tour balances iconic attractions with meaningful pilgrimage sites, offering a memorable experience for both first-time and returning visitors.
Our journey will deepen your appreciation of Rome’s cultural and spiritual legacy, creating a meaningful and enriching exploration of the Eternal City.
The tour is approximately 3.5 miles, or about 5 km, taking around two and a half to three hours to complete, depending on your pace.
If that feels too long, no worries – you can shorten it by skipping the last 3 points of interest and ending it at the famous Pantheon, our 9th stop.
OR, take a break at the 8th or 9th stop, and continue the next day. I’ll explain how later.
So, put on your walking shoes, bring a bottle of water, and maybe a hat if the weather calls for it, and get ready to go.
Remember, you have complete flexibility. Start, pause, and continue the tour whenever you like.
Want to continue the next day? No problem. Just enter the tour screen, tap “Starting Point,” and select where you wish to resume before tapping "Start Tour".
Enjoy the freedom to discover Rome’s beauty and history at your own pace, on your own schedule.
OK.
Let’s begin our pilgrimage journey with faith and wonder.
I’ll meet you at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, our first stop on the tour.
Distance: 1.39mi
, Attraction : Famous Square (Selfie spot)
WF24+VWR, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
St. Peter's Square
Hey,
You found me.
Welcome to St. Peter’s Square, or, Piazza San Pietro, the heart of Catholicism and the perfect place to begin our Jubilee pilgrimage.
This vast square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century to embrace visitors in what he called “the maternal arms of Mother Church.”
Notice how the grand colonnades curve outward, symbolizing that all are welcome here – a powerful message for pilgrims arriving for the Holy Year.
This iconic square serves as the grand entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and is a central gathering place for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Even more so during the Jubilee.
Pilgrims from across the world flock here to pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, seeking spiritual renewal, indulgence, and a deepened connection with God.
Admire the impressive colonnades surrounding us, formed by 284 Doric columns and 88 pilasters, which create a sense of enclosure and embrace.
Look up and around us, atop the tall colonnades. The the statues?
These are saints, adding to the square's majestic atmosphere.
Can you guess how many of these statues surround us?
No less than 140 statues!
In the center of the square stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in the 1st century AD, and brought here in 1586 under Pope Sixtus V.
It has stood witness to countless historic moments and reminds us that the Church stands firm and unchanging through the ages.
Two fountains, designed by Bernini and Carlo Maderno, flank the obelisk, providing a refreshing visual and auditory element.
And, as you'll learn along the tour, almost every major landmark in Rome includes a fountain.
Yes, Romans love water.
Now look towards the Basilica.
That magnificent façade and Michelangelo’s great dome beyond, mark the burial site of Saint Peter himself, the first Pope and one of Jesus’ closest apostles. Another reason why this site holds such unmatched spiritual importance for Catholics worldwide.
As you stand here among the faithful, take a moment to reflect on your journey.
Why have you come? What are you hoping to leave behind, and what blessings do you wish to receive?
When you are ready, we will continue our pilgrimage towards the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We'll meet at footsteps of the St. Peter's Basilica.
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Church (Selfie spot)
WF24+VG Vatican City
St. Peter's Basilica
Step inside St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the holiest sites in Christendom.
This magnificent basilica stands on the site where St. Peter, one of Jesus's apostles and the first Pope, is believed to be buried.
Tradition tells us that this grand basilica is built directly above the burial site of Saint Peter, the same apostle whom Jesus called the Rock upon which His Church would be built.
After his martyrdom in Nero’s Circus nearby, Peter was buried here, and early Christians honored his grave.
Over time, his simple tomb became a place of pilgrimage.
Over centuries, the original basilica was replaced by the current structure, which involved the contributions of renowned artists and architects such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini.
The first basilica was constructed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.
However, by the Renaissance, it was in ruins, and so began the construction of the basilica you see today, spanning over a century from 1506 to 1626.
Look up at the magnificent dome, designed by Michelangelo when he was in his seventies.
It remains one of the largest domes in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, visible across Rome as a symbol of faith reaching towards heaven.
Did you know that the letters running along the base of the dome are each over 2 meters tall? They reed: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
As pilgrims, this place holds special meaning, especially during the Jubilee.
One of the most sacred rituals is to pass through the Holy Door, which is opened only during a Jubilee year and stays open throughout that year.
Doing so symbolizes leaving behind sin and walking into the grace and mercy of God.
Pilgrims crossing the threshold with true repentance receive the Jubilee indulgence.
Inside, take note of Bernini’s Baldachin, the bronze canopy that marks Peter’s tomb below.
It stands nearly 30 meters tall, resembling an eternal altar over his remains.
Just beneath lies the Confession, where you can descend to pray closer to his resting place.
To your right upon entering is Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was only 24, depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus.
Notice Mary’s serene acceptance as she cradles Jesus’ lifeless body – a powerful image of sorrow and faith.
If possible, ascend to the dome, designed by Michelangelo, for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
Interesting fact: The basilica can hold approximately 60,000 people!
That's more than most football stadiums.
During Jubilee years, millions gather here to confess, pray, and celebrate Masses led by the Pope. It is an experience of unity and forgiveness that many describe as, life-changing.
As you explore this breathtaking basilica, take time to reflect upon your own spiritual journey.
When you are ready, we will continue onward through the holy streets of Rome, enriched by the prayers and faith of countless pilgrims who walked this path before us.
With our backs to the Basilica, let's exit St. Peter's square on the far right side. You can follow the route on our map.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1St. Peter's Square
Place 2St. Peter's Basilica
Place 3Santo Spirito in Sassia
Place 4Passetto di Borgo View Point
Place 5Castel Sant'Angelo
Place 6Chiesa Nuova di Santa Maria in Vallicella
Place 7Sant'Agnese in Agone
Place 8Piazza Navona
Place 9Pantheon
Place 10Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Place 11Chiesa del Gesù
Place 12Santa Maria Maggiore
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).