guide

Rome Pilgrimage Guide

A practical guide for foreign pilgrims visiting Rome, integrating transport tips, event programme, monuments and useful phrases.

Transport
Programme
Accessibility
Emergency
Phrases

Getting Around Rome

Rome’s public transport network comprises metro lines, buses, trams and suburban trains. A single integrated ticket allows travel across these modes within the urban zone. Validate your ticket before boarding.

Metro Lines

There are three metro lines: Line A (orange), Line B/B1 (blue) and Line C (green). Useful interchanges for pilgrims include Termini (A↔B), Valle Aurelia (A↔FL3), San Giovanni (A↔C) and Piramide (B↔Roma–Lido).

Suburban trains

Rome’s suburban trains (called FL lines) cross the city and can be used like fast metro lines. They are often quicker and less crowded than buses. The most useful for visitors are:

  • FL1: Fiumicino Airport → Trastevere → Ostiense → Tuscolana → Tiburtina.
  • FL3: Viterbo → Roma San Pietro → Valle Aurelia.
  • FL5: Civitavecchia → San Pietro → Termini (some trains).

Secret Platforms at Termini

Roma Termini station has hidden platforms not signposted in the main hall. Platforms 1 Est and 2 Est are located beyond platform 1; platforms 25–29 (the “Laziali” section) are accessed from Via Giolitti via an underpass with moving walkways. Allow extra time to reach them.

Simplified diagram of Roma Termini’s main and hidden platforms. These hidden platforms are accessed by walking from the nearest numbered platform indicated on signs. Even if the announcement says “train is about to depart,” in most cases there is a good margin, but passengers should be aware that reaching these platforms usually takes around 5–10 minutes on foot.

Pilgrimage Event Programme

The main events organised for the Jubilee pilgrimage (2–7 September 2025) are listed below. Distances between venues are walkable; use the transport tips above to shorten journeys.

Day & TimeEventLocation
Fri 5 Sept – 10:00LGBTQ listening meeting (Outreach)Jesuit Curia, Via Borgo Santo Spirito (near Vatican)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hFdEKbGVLhaWBnKS9
Fri 5 Sept – 20:00Prayer VigilChiesa del Gesù, Piazza del Gesù

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mnRznMZjGLf6NxrAA
Sat 6 Sept – 11:00Holy MassChiesa del Gesù, Piazza del Gesù

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mnRznMZjGLf6NxrAA
Sat 6 Sept – 15:00Jubilee Pilgrimage processionMeet at Piazza Pia; walk to St Peter’s Basilica
(Registration is mandatory)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXXE9q5Be6uzs7mv5
Sat 6 Sept – 19:00Pilgrims Rest (GNRC)St Paul’s Within the Walls, Via Nazionale 58
(Registration is mandatory)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kyDhBmg3zWqy8wCW9
Sun 7 Sept – 10:00Pope’s AngelusPiazza San Pietro
Free entry

https://maps.app.goo.gl/beRdAL66AXLs6Z2BA

Accessibility & Tips

Rome’s ancient streets can present obstacles. Here are ways to reduce distances and barriers:

  • Use step‑free interchanges such as Valle Aurelia (Metro A ↔ FL3), San Giovanni (Metro A ↔ C), Termini (A↔B – look for lifts) and Piramide/Ostiense (Metro B ↔ Roma–Lido).
  • To reach the Vatican area, disembark at Roma San Pietro or Valle Aurelia to avoid the longer walk from Ottaviano.
  • Taxis can drop you closer to Via della Conciliazione for the pilgrimage procession; there are designated drop‑off points for disabled passengers.
  • At St Peter’s Square and event venues, ask volunteers or security for priority seating or accessible queues.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • 112 – Universal emergency number (connects to police, fire and medical).
  • 113 – Police (Polizia di Stato).
  • 115 – Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco).
  • 118 – Medical emergencies/ambulance.
  • Nearest hospitals to the city centre include Policlinico Umberto I (near Termini) and Santo Spirito (Trastevere, near the Vatican).

Essential Italian Phrases

Learning a few phrases helps you navigate and seek assistance. Here are some grouped by theme:

Directions & Transport

  • Dov’è la stazione della metropolitana? – Where is the metro station?
  • Scusi, come arrivo a Piazza San Pietro? – Excuse me, how do I get to St Peter’s Square?
  • Dove posso comprare un biglietto? – Where can I buy a ticket?

Eating & Shopping

  • Dove posso mangiare qualcosa di buono? – Where can I eat something good?
  • Mi può consigliare un buon ristorante? – Can you recommend a good restaurant?
  • Cerco una gelateria/pizzeria/farmacia. – I’m looking for a gelato shop/pizzeria/pharmacy.

Help & Emergencies

  • Mi serve aiuto! – I need help!
  • Per favore, chiamate la polizia/l’ambulanza! – Please, call the police/ambulance!
  • La mia amica non sta bene. – My friend isn’t well.
  • Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio. – My wallet was stolen.

Polite & Casual

  • Buongiorno / Buonasera – Good morning/evening
  • Grazie mille! – Thank you very much!
  • Scusi, parla inglese? – Excuse me, do you speak English?
  • Mi dispiace, non parlo molto italiano. – I’m sorry, I don’t speak much Italian.

© 2025 Rome Pilgrimage Guide. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official programme details.