Between Holy Doors Jubilee Tour – Treasures of Rome
The “Between Holy Doors” tour offers an immersive journey into the heart of the Catholic Church’s sacred traditions, especially during the Jubilee, or Holy Year, a time designated by Pope Francis for the remission of sins and universal pardon. This period is marked by spiritual renewal and widespread joy across the Catholic community. The concept of a Jubilee has its roots in biblical tradition, initially a year of freedom celebrated every 50 years, and has been transformed in Christian practice into a season of grace, reconciliation, and spiritual transformation.
Under the guidance of Pope Francis, the Holy Year emphasizes the opening of the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica, a gesture that extends to the other three major papal basilicas. Our “Between Holy Doors Jubilee” tour focuses on the pilgrimage to these sacred sites, including an exploration of San Giovanni in Laterano, along with other significant churches such as San Pietro in Vincoli, Scala Santa, and Santi Quattro Coronati. Accompanied by a certified local guide, participants will delve into the history, traditions, and religious significance of these monuments, gaining insight into the events and ceremonies that define the Holy Year.
Highlights of the Holy Door Tour
If you want to gain insight into the Holy Door tradition and spend time at the different shrines associated with this tradition, the Holy Door tour is an excellent pick.
Moving away from the bustle of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica, you will visit lesser-traveled but still especially important sites in Rome, including San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede, San Pietro in Vincoli, Santi Quattro Coronati, and the Scala Santa.
San Giovanni in Laterano
The Basilica of St. John Lateran, originally consecrated in 324 AD, is not only the oldest of the major papal basilicas but also outranks the legendary St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City with its classification as an archbasilica. This ancient church is steeped in history, echoing the profound faith stories akin to those about the Eucharistic miracle and the sacred site of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Inside, the basilica’s stunning interior is a highlight of the Holy Doors Tour, showcasing statues and shrines of saints like Simon, Bartholomew, and John, alongside significant Papal tombs and the holy stairs. Each element invites visitors into a deeper reflection on faith’s enduring presence, from the miraculous to the monumental.
Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is one of the seven pilgrim churches of Rome that people make pilgrimage to, and it is also one of the four major basilicas in the city. It stands proudly within two squares – Piazza dell’Esquilino and Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore (Mary Major), and the iconic bell tower dominates the surrounding skyline.
Santa Prasede
The mosaic ceilings within Santa Prassede, echoing the concept of plenary indulgence, are magnificent and retain their original beauty despite centuries. Besides the ceilings, the pillar of the flogging, alleged to be where Jesus Christ was flogged before his crucifixion, invites deep reflection.
San Pietro in Vincoli
Although the facade of San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter ad Vincula) is relatively understated, the interior is magnificent with its series of marble columns and stunning ceiling fresco painted by Giovanni Battista Parodi that depicts the Miracle of the Chains. You can also see the fantastic statue of Moses created by legendary Renaissance figure Michelangelo.
Santi Quattro Coronati
The origins of this site date back to the 4th century, and it is listed as one of the first churches in Rome. The current Carolingian architecture was completed in the 12th century, and the name means “Four Holy Crowned Ones” – referring to four unknown saints who were martyred.
As part of your Holy Door Vatican tour, you will learn about the legends of Pope Sylvester that surround this church and the gift from Emperor Constantine.
Scala Santa
Within the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the holy Scala Santa. This is a place of incredible significance in the Christian world, and it serves as a place of pilgrimage for Catholics wanting to seek forgiveness and celebrate as they climb the stairs on their knees. It is an important part of the Holy Year proceedings.
The stairs were supposedly bought from Jerusalem and were the site that Christ walked away from after his trial by Pontius Pilate.
Explore the Sacred Entrance Portal within the Papal Major Basilicas
Treasures of Rome shows you the true treasures of the city
Seeing the sites of Rome by yourself is one thing, but there is nothing quite like watching special events and visiting the various museums and churches with a certified local guide, and this is what our Holy Doors tour offers.
A professional local guide brings an extra layer of interest, fun, and engagement to jubilee travel and tours with their keen insight, passion for Rome, and knowledge of the city and its history. They will also make sure you stay safe and get the most out of your time in the Eternal City.
This tour also offers fantastic value for money, as all the entrance fees are covered, so there are no unexpected costs.
With small group sizes, you get a more personalized tour too, and there are plenty more opportunities to quiz the guide and learn more about the significance of the jubilee year and what it means for Catholics.
What exactly can you expect from this tour?
During this guided jubilee doors Vatican tour, you will head away from the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums offered on other trips and instead explore the area southwest of the Termini and northeast of the Colosseum.
Within this part of Rome, you will explore two of the major basilicas – San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore—but also a collection of super churches and sites surrounding them.
This allows you to build up an understanding of the holy year, the Holy Door (Porta Sancta), and why the jubilee year is so important for the Vatican and Catholics around the world. The tour is easygoing, covers six historical sites, and allows you to learn more about a process that happens approximately once per decade.
Expert Tour Tips
This tour involves a decent amount of walking, but the six sites are highly accessible and within a stone’s throw of the major attractions in Rome. We advise wearing comfortable walking shoes and casual attire, although it’s important to remember that you must cover your shoulders, knees, and back.
When the tour has finished, you have easy access to the Termini if you are staying outside Rome, or the main sites such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. There are also several Metro stations close to the attractions, including:
– Cavour,
– Vittorio Emanuele,
– and Republica stops.
When in a major city such as Rome, it’s always advisable to keep your belongings safe, your backpacks and handbags zipped, and listen carefully to your tour guide. They will help you stay safe and can also provide some useful tips, such as where to dine after the tour.
Holy Door Jubilee Tour – Meeting Point
Statue of Saint John Paul II
Piazza dei Cinquecento, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Monday – Friday: 09:00
Cancellations: Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the tour with a full refund.
Attire: Casual attire, but you must have your shoulders, knees, and back covered.
50 €
Small Group Tour
50 €
Small Group Tour
50 €
Small Group Tour
50 €
Small Group Tour
50 €
Small Group Tour
50 €
Small Group Tour
30 €
Baroque Concert
Treasures of Rome – Rome Guided Tours
Roberto Alois Lautenschlager Kung
[email protected]
Partita IVA: 17002181000
“ROMA AETERNA EST”
Rome is eternal – (Albius Tibullus)