The highlight of any pilgrimage to Rome, especially during a Jubilee Year, is a visit to the four major Roman basilicas. These four churches hold immense significance for Catholics, drawing pilgrims to Rome for centuries. Their allure lies in their sacred Catholic heritage, breathtaking art, architectural splendor, and most importantly, their Holy Doors.
During the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, they have deep significance. Pilgrims may walk through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica plus St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls and seek grace and forgiveness for their sins.
The Holy Doors of Rome’s Four Major Basilicas Open
Pope Francis marked the official beginning of the Holy Year when he pushed open the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024. St. Peter’s Doors were the first to open, followed by Rome’s other major basilicas. Here are highlights of these vital centers of our faith and cultural heritage.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is the epicenter of Catholic worship and the largest basilica in the world. It’s also the most well-known of Rome’s four major basilicas. During papal celebrations, it plays a solemn role. In addition to weekly Papal Audiences, it hosts significant events such as Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, the installation of new popes, canonizations of saints, and the commencement and conclusion of jubilees, including the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. It hosts an incredible number of visitors every year who want to admire the stunning artwork kept inside. Visitors marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, the Chair of St. Peter, and other treasures. The present-day basilica differs significantly from the original 4th-century structure commissioned by Emperor Constantine.
Archbasilica St. John Lateran
As the cathedral of Rome’s diocese, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran holds the title of the oldest and most important basilica in the Western world. While St. Peter’s is more famous, St. John Lateran is arguably more important—it serves as the Pope’s seat and boasts a rich history. The current facade, designed by Alessandro Galilei in 1730, conceals an interior crafted by Borromini during the seventeenth century. Notably, a Giotto fresco commemorates the Jubilee of 1300.
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Paul Outside the Walls was founded in the 4th century and stands over the presumed burial site of St. Paul. The basilica houses the chain that, according to tradition, bound the Apostle Paul to the Roman soldier while he awaited trial during his imprisonment. Sadly, a devastating fire in 1823 nearly destroyed the entire basilica. Today, the basilica, with its golden mosaics and massive alabaster columns, is mainly a result of 19th-century restoration efforts.
St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
Santa Maria Maggiore, constructed in the 5th century, is known as “Our Lady of the Snows” due to a legend about a miraculous August snowfall. Built on the site of the previous Liberian Basilica (named after Pope Liberius), Santa Maria Maggiore was among the earliest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its ornate design reflects its symbolic importance and the Church’s wealth during that era. Remarkably, the original structure remains intact, thanks to periodic restoration work.
Get Ready for Jubilee 2025
There is high demand from Pilgrims around the globe to travel to Rome for this exceptional Jubilee Year! Don’t miss out on your chance to visit Rome’s four major basilicas and walk through the Holy Doors during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Contact Nawas to get started today.
