3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches – A Journey Through Rome’s Most Holy Sites

ByBeppe Castro

Take a faith-filled journey with this 3-day Rome itinerary for churches. Visit world-famous basilicas and peaceful sanctuaries that reveal their beauty, art, and devotion.

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - St. John's Basilica

Who Needs A Rome Itinerary For Churches?

These are generally self-guided tours. If you are looking for a guided tour, you will need to arrange that before you arrive. We placed a recommendation below for an affiliate tour company that we like.

Even though this tour is of churches (and not museums), Stendhal Syndrome is something to be considered. It is a psychosomatic condition involving rapid heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations and even fainting. It allegedly occurs when individuals become exposed to objects, artworks, or phenomena of great beauty. That definitely describes the beauty you will encounter on this tour!

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The Focus Of This Rome Itinerary Are Churches

As they say: “There are as many banks in Milan as there are churches in Rome!”. The implication is that there are a ton of them, and nothing could be more true. Our focus is on the most important churches and a couple that are very unique, either in architecture or in the artwork they contain. Consider this a starting point and at the end of your trip, consider a return to enjoy even more that Rome has to offer.

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - Vatican City

How Many Days In Rome Is Enough?

You can spend a lifetime experiencing all there is to experience in Rome. For most of us, a lifetime isn’t an option, but 3-day experiences in Rome can more easily fit into our schedules. This full 3-day itinerary hits the highlights. Any more and you risk some burnout (or even Stendhal Syndrome) so I would suggest starting here and planning a return trip if there is anything that you feel like you missed.

Rome Church Travel Planning Prior To Day-1

There will be some work you will need to do prior to arriving in Rome. Certainly all your air travel and lodging  plans need to be completed, but also the reservations for meals should be handled before you arrive. Almost all of the sites have free admission, except for the Pantheon, which you should be able to handle when you arrive. You might also consider downloading some apps, like: MooneyGo, ATAC, TrenItalia and even Rick Steves Audio Europe.

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - Bernini's Elephant

Here are some reservations you’ll want to make:

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - Pantheon Outside

Rome Church Itinerary Day-1

  • BREAKFAST: For each of these days, our recommendation is to find a nearby coffee bar for a Cappuccino and a Pastry for breakfast, unless you get the Key Master’s Tour of the Vatican.
  • Obviously, we are starting our tour with St. Peter’s Basilica. Take your time and you can use Rick Steves’ audio guide for free. If you are feeling adventurous, you should climb St. Peter’s Dome for amazing views of Vatican City and Rome.
  • LUNCH: Nearby Cresci is a great restaurant that is close to Vatican City, but a little less touristy.
  • Take a bus (#64) near to The Pantheon and pay your entrance fees. It might be busy, but don’t despair because the line moves quickly.
  • Around the back is Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and the Bernini elephant outside and Michelangelo’s Risen Christ inside.
  • Nearby Santa Maria Del Popolo in Piazza del Popolo, you will find a couple of amazing Caravaggios in a side chapel that need a few minutes of your time!
  • DINNER: Traditional Neapolitan pizza can and should be enjoyed at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - Michelangelo

Rome Church Itinerary Day-2

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - From The Vatican Dome

Rome Church Itinerary Day-3

  • BREAKFAST: For each of these days, our recommendation is to find a nearby coffee bar for a Cappuccino and a Pastry for breakfast.
  • A bit of a hike south of the centro, the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is another one of the churches on the Pilgrim’s Trail, and needs to be experienced.
  • A subway ride back inside the walls and bring you to Basilica Of The Holy Cross In Rome for some unique remnants. 
  • LUNCH: Rostelle & Company – This Abruzzesi focused restaurant has the most amazing grilled meats we’ve eaten in Rome. Relax and enjoy!
  • Heading up north by tram or bus, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside The Walls has a unique history that you need to explore.
  • A bit of some longer travel here, eventually taking the #118 bus to Basilica Of St. Sebastian Outside The Walls. The last of the Pilgrim Churches.
  • DINNER: Your final dinner will be at Ristorante Ross near Circus Maximus. You should take the #118 bus back from St. Sebastian and it will drop you right there..

Now that you are stuffed, grab a cab and head back to the airport (or hotel) depending on your schedule. Take the time to prepare for your return trip and think about when you want to return to Rome for a more comprehensive visit. There is so much more to see in Rome, but for a 3-Day trip, you have seen a lot!

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - Sopra Minerva

More Help Planning Your Trip

If you are looking for additional help planning your trip to Rome, take a moment to review these supporting articles:

3-Day Rome Itinerary For Churches - St. Johns Lateran

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