Welcome, dear friends! The 2025 Jubilee is approaching, and Rome is preparing to welcome millions of pilgrims from around the world. I know that the idea of tackling such a large event with kids can seem daunting, but I assure you that with the right preparation, it can turn into an incredibly rich and meaningful experience for the whole family.
Today, I want to talk to you about a historical and spiritual path that has fascinated people for centuries: the Seven Churches Walking Tour. It’s an ancient Roman tradition, a true journey through faith and the history of the Eternal City. And yes, it’s perfect for families with kids, if approached with the right mindset and a few tricks from an experienced mom!
The Seven Churches Tour is a traditional pilgrimage that connects Rome’s seven historic churches: the four major papal basilicas (St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran) and three important minor basilicas (St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, Holy Cross in Jerusalem, and St. Sebastian Outside the Walls). It was made popular by St. Philip Neri in the 16th century and represents a path of devotion and discovery.
It’s not just a spiritual journey, but also a trip into the heart of Roman history and art. Each basilica holds centuries of stories, artistic masterpieces, and a unique atmosphere.
Did you know? In Italian, “doing the seven churches tour” has also become a famous saying. It means going around in circles from one office to another or knocking on many different doors in a desperate attempt to solve something (who has ever dealt with bureaucracy knows what I’m talking about!). But actually doing the real itinerary on foot with your family is definitely more poetic and, fortunately, much less stressful.
Why take on the tour with kids during the 2025 Jubilee?#
You might wonder why you should add this challenge to your already busy Jubilee trip. The answer is simple: it’s an authentic way to experience Rome, away from the crowds of the usual tourist circuits (or at least, with a different goal!).
- Education and History: Kids will learn about Rome’s history and the Church in an interactive way. The basilicas are true open-air lessons.
- Values: A pilgrimage, even if adapted, teaches perseverance, reflection, and a sense of community.
- Unforgettable Memories: Imagine your kids telling you about seeing St. Peter’s Dome or the catacombs! It’s a great way to create family memories.
Of course, the total distance of the entire tour is about 20-25 km, which for an adult can take from 6 to 8 hours of continuous walking. But with kids, the secret is not to try to do it all in one day!
Planning your family tour: our “slow travel” strategy#
My advice as a mom is to divide the route into several days. We did it with Leonardo and Beatrice in three days, the ideal solution to follow their pace.
Here’s how you could organize the stages, always keeping in mind the needs of the little ones:
Day 1: the heart of the Vatican and the Lateran splendor#
1. St. Peter’s in the Vatican:
- Start here, early in the morning, to avoid the crowds. The majesty of St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica is breathtaking.
- How to get there: Take the Metro A to the Ottaviano-S. Pietro stop.
- Mom’s tip: Prepare the kids for the long line and security checks. Bring a little book or a small game to pass the time.
- Attention: Inside, ask the kids to whisper and explain the importance of the place. Leonardo loved looking for the little angels!
2. St. John Lateran:
- After St. Peter’s, you can head to St. John. It’s Rome’s cathedral and the mother of all churches! Its full official name is actually Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Sts. John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran, and it’s historically defined in Latin as Sacrosancta Lateranensis Ecclesia Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput (i.e., “Most Holy Lateran Church, Mother and Head of all the churches of the City and the World”).
- How to get there: From the Ottaviano stop, take the Metro A and get off at San Giovanni. It’s very easy!
- Lunch break: Near St. John Lateran, there are several trattorias. Look for a place with space for strollers and, above all, high chairs! It’s one of my pet peeves: there’s nothing worse than having to hold a small child while trying to eat.
Day 2: historical treasures and hidden corners#
3. St. Mary Major:
- Start the day with this wonderful basilica, near Termini station.
- How to get there: Take the Metro A or B to Termini, then a short walk. Or, if you’re in the San Giovanni area, you can take tram 3 or bus 16.
- Sweet break: In the area, you can’t miss Gelato di San Crispino (Via della Panetteria, 42). It’s a must, the ice cream is divine, and my kids love it!
4. Holy Cross in Jerusalem:
- This basilica holds relics of Christ’s Passion. It’s a place of great recollection.
- How to get there: From St. Mary Major, you can take a pleasant 20-minute walk via Viale Manzoni. If the kids are already tired of walking, I recommend reaching the nearby Via Farini stop and taking tram 5 or 14 to Porta Maggiore, which is just a few steps from the basilica.
- Walk: In the area, you can see the Porta Maggiore, an ancient gate of the Aurelian Walls. Leonardo liked to imagine it as the entrance to a castle.
5. St. Lawrence Outside the Walls:
- One of the seven churches, located in a lively but authentic neighborhood.
- How to get there: From Holy Cross, you can take tram 3 or bus 71.
- Unique tip: The square is large and offers some space for the kids to stretch their legs, but be careful with the traffic in the area.
Day 3: the distant basilicas and the ancient Appian Way#
6. St. Paul Outside the Walls:
- This basilica is majestic and a bit farther from the center, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
- How to get there: Take the Metro B to the Basilica San Paolo stop. It’s very easy!
- Open space: The surrounding area offers large green spaces, perfect for letting the kids run around after the visit. A bit of freedom is essential to keep morale high!
7. St. Sebastian Outside the Walls:
- The last stop on this incredible journey is located on the suggestive Via Appia Antica.
- How to get there: From the Basilica San Paolo, you can take bus 671 or 714 (always check the schedules, especially on holidays). A taxi might be a good option if the kids are very tired.
- Extra experience: In the area, there are the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. If your kids are old enough and not afraid of dark spaces, it’s a fascinating experience. However, remember that strollers are often not allowed inside.
- My concern: The Via Appia Antica is wonderful, but its irregular cobblestones are a real nightmare for strollers! A true suicide mission for small wheels. If you have a lightweight stroller, you might prefer a baby carrier or backpack for this stretch.
Practical tips for families taking on the Seven Churches Tour#
- Comfortable shoes: This is a must for everyone, but especially for kids. Robust, already worn-in sneakers.
- Water and snacks at will: Rome is hot, and walking makes you hungry. Always carry refillable water bottles and healthy snacks.
- Stroller yes, but with caution: For small kids, it’s indispensable, but as I said, Roman cobblestones can be an enemy. Opt for a robust stroller or be prepared to lift it often. A baby carrier or ergonomic backpack is great for the little ones.
- Play break: Include playtime in a park or green space in your itinerary. Even just 15-20 minutes of free play makes a difference.
- Appropriate clothing: Remember that to enter churches, modest clothing is required (shoulders and knees covered). Bring light scarves or short-sleeved shirts for you and your kids.
- Maps and apps: A good map of Rome and a public transport app (like Moovit or Google Maps) will be your best friends.
- Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially in spring and summer. Sometimes, museums or squares don’t offer much shade for the little ones, and it’s another of my small complaints!
- Emergency kit: Wet wipes, band-aids, hand sanitizer, and a small toy or book for waiting moments.
Where to eat with the little pilgrims#
In addition to Gelato di San Crispino, I want to give you a few more tips:
- Trattoria al Moro (Vicolo delle Bollette, 13): Not exactly near St. Peter’s, but a Roman institution. Excellent cuisine, but always check for high chairs and stroller space in advance!
- Caffè Sant’Eustachio (Piazza di Sant’Eustachio, 82): Near the Pantheon, it’s famous for its coffee. It’s not a place for a full meal, but a stop for a good coffee for you and a fresh drink for the kids is always welcome.
- Pizza al taglio: They’re a salvation for families in Rome. Affordable, quick, and kids love pizza! You’ll find them everywhere, and they’re perfect for a quick lunch.
- Picnic: Consider preparing sandwiches or buying something at the supermarket. It’s a great solution to save money and avoid “kids’ menus” that are too expensive and often only offer the same old, sad chicken nuggets. My kids, Leonardo and Beatrice, always prefer a good sandwich!
Update: To refuel after this long walk, I’ve also collected a guide to the best trattorias in Rome for the 2025 Jubilee, ideal for savoring traditional dishes with the kids.
Conclusion: a journey that enriches the heart#
Taking on the Seven Churches Tour with your family during the 2025 Jubilee will be an adventure you’ll always remember. Don’t worry about perfection, but enjoy the journey, the discoveries, and the unexpected moments.
Rome is a city that knows how to welcome, and with a bit of planning and the right dose of flexibility, even your little pilgrims will return home with their hearts full of wonder and many stories to tell. It’s a great way to create unforgettable family memories, I assure you!
If you have questions or want to share your experiences, leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help!