Where to find the holy doors in Rome?

The holy doors are an essential part of the Jubilee pilgrimage experience in Rome. These special doors, which are opened only during the Jubilee year, hold deep spiritual significance for pilgrims who pass through them as a symbol of renewal and forgiveness. If you’re planning a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee 2025, knowing where to find the holy doors will help you plan your visit to these sacred sites.

Where are the holy doors located?

In Rome, the four holy doors are located at the four major basilicas, also known as the papal basilicas. These are some of the most important churches in Catholicism, and each one has a holy door that is opened for the duration of the Jubilee year. Here’s where you can find them:
1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
Location: Vatican City
The holy door at St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous and iconic of all the holy doors. Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s is the spiritual heart of Catholicism and a major pilgrimage destination. During the Jubilee, millions of pilgrims pass through this door, which is ceremonially opened by the Pope at the beginning of the Jubilee year.
How to get there: St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City, easily accessible from central Rome via public transportation. The closest metro station is Ottaviano on Line A.
2. St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
Location: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome
St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and is often referred to as the “mother of all churches.” Its holy door is another key stop for Jubilee pilgrims. The basilica is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope and is considered the oldest public church in Rome.
How to get there: St. John Lateran is located near the San Giovanni metro station on Line A, making it easy to reach from other parts of Rome.
3. St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
Location: Via Ostiense, Rome
Dedicated to St. Paul, this basilica is traditionally believed to be built over the burial site of the apostle. The holy door at St. Paul Outside the Walls offers a quieter, more contemplative setting for pilgrims compared to St. Peter’s Basilica. It is the second largest basilica in Rome after St. Peter’s.
How to get there: The closest metro station to St. Paul Outside the Walls is Basilica San Paolo on Line B, providing convenient access from the city center.
4. Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is one of the four papal basilicas and home to a holy door that pilgrims can pass through during the Jubilee year. This basilica is known for its stunning mosaics and rich history, making it a beautiful and spiritually enriching stop.
How to get there: Santa Maria Maggiore is located near the Termini station, Rome’s main train and metro hub. It is accessible via Lines A and B of the metro.

Visiting the holy doors: A pilgrimage route

Many pilgrims choose to visit all four holy doors during their stay in Rome. The most well-known door is at St. Peter’s Basilica, but each of the four basilicas offers a unique experience. Pilgrims often walk between the basilicas as part of their spiritual journey, reflecting on the significance of passing through the holy doors and the Jubilee year itself.
Suggested pilgrimage route:
Start at St. Peter’s Basilica: After passing through the holy door at St. Peter’s, take time to explore the basilica and reflect in St. Peter’s Square.
Walk or take public transportation to St. John Lateran: Located about 4.5 km (2.8 miles) from St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran is a key part of any Jubilee pilgrimage.
From St. John Lateran to Santa Maria Maggiore: This shorter route (1.4 km or 0.9 miles) is easily walkable. You’ll pass by historic parts of the city as you make your way to Santa Maria Maggiore.
Conclude at St. Paul Outside the Walls: The longest walk (5.5 km or 3.4 miles), this route takes you through ancient Roman sites and leads to the peaceful setting of St. Paul’s.
What to expect when visiting the holy doors
During the Jubilee year, the holy doors will remain open from the day of their ceremonial opening until the end of the year. Pilgrims are invited to pass through the doors as part of their spiritual journey, often taking time for prayer, reflection, and confession before or after. While St. Peter’s Basilica tends to attract the largest crowds, the other basilicas generally offer a quieter, more contemplative experience.
Arrive early: Popular basilicas like St. Peter’s can have long lines, especially during high-traffic times such as weekends or religious holidays. Arriving early in the morning is a good way to avoid the crowds.
Participate in confession and Mass: Many pilgrims choose to combine their visit to the holy doors with confession and Mass, deepening the spiritual significance of the experience.
Finding the holy doors in Rome
The holy doors of Rome are located at the four major basilicas—St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Visiting each holy door during the Jubilee is a powerful spiritual act, offering pilgrims the opportunity for renewal and reflection. Whether you visit one or all four, passing through the holy doors is a profound symbol of leaving behind the past and embracing a path of faith and grace.