Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour｜Italy

For Catholic pilgrims to Rome our Saints Peter & Paul in Chains Pilgrim Tour is an essential spiritual experience. Join us as we explore their lives and suffering with scriptural reference and a deep knowledge gleaned from genuine devotion and theological study. On our way, we’ll see the chains that bound each of them, the sarcophagus of St Paul and even an original Michelangelo!

Our tour begins at the ancient Basilica of St Peter in Chains, perched high up near the Colle Oppio park which offers stupendous views of the Colosseum. Known locally as San Pietro in Vincoli, this stunning church is home to the chains that bound St Peter in Jerusalem and the chains that bound St Peter in Rome, as well as Michelangelo’s original masterpiece statue of Moses.

From here, you will then board a private air-conditioned vehicle to take you and your friendly guide to the Abbey of the Three Fountains - the place where St Paul was martyred by beheading. You will also see the ancient monastery church and side chapel associated with early martyrs, a Marian apparition and a vision by St Bernard of Clairveaux. This place is literally soaked with the blood of the martyrs - the seed of the Church and is a special place of reflection and peace. Please note: on 18th April 2026 a sign was erected to say that the Abbey was closed due to urgent works. No information was given as to how long it would remain closed so this will not be visitable until the government provide more information. Whilst closed, the Abbey will be substituted with the Mamertime Prison (where Sts Peter & Paul were held before execution).

Finally, you will then reboard your air-conditioned transport to make the short journey to one of the four Major Basilicas of Rome, St Paul’s Outside the Walls.

St Paul's is an essential element on the itinerary of any pilgrim to Rome and is the location of one of the four Holy Doors that will be open during the Jubilee year so that those who pass through it may receive a Plenary Indulgence. First constructed by the Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century—the same emperor who finally legalised Christianity in 313— and later rebuilt by Emperor Theodosius, San Paolo is a treasure trove of rich symbolism and catechesis, and home to the body of the great St Paul himself.

This is where our Saints Peter & Paul Pilgrim Tour reaches its conclusion. To get back into the historical centre you can make the same short trip back on the metro, though you may well be tempted to explore this typically Roman suburban neighbourhood with its diverse architecture, famous murals and myriad of great spots to eat lunch.