Once pilgrims leave the Via Francigena and enter the city of Rome, there are traditionally seven churches that have been designated Pilgrim Churches. The two most important of these Pilgrim Churches are Saint Paul Outside the Walls and of course, Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Praying at the tomb of Peter, the Rock upon which Jesus built his Church is second only perhaps to praying in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher itself. The importance of praying before the tomb of Saint Paul has never been lost on pilgrims to Rome, without him the message of Jesus may never have reached the Gentiles with such success.

Besides visiting the resting places of the pillars of Christianity, pilgrims to Rome also make stops at the other major and minor basilicas of Rome. While pilgrims are welcome at any time, pilgrimages to these churches during a Jubilee year will grant the pilgrim a special indulgence for the remission of sin. Below are the four major and three minor basilicas that make up the seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Of course, pilgrims should also visit the other important churches and pilgrimage sites in Rome such as the Colosseum, the scene of countless early Christian martyrdoms.