Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour

• Catholic Tours in Rome
• All Catholic Tours
• Italy

Follow Sts Peter and Paul Through Rome

The Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour follows the final years, imprisonment and martyrdom of Rome’s two great Apostles, including the chains traditionally associated with both St Peter and St Paul. With an expert Catholic guide, you will visit three sacred sites connected with their witness: the Basilica of St Peter in Chains, the Abbey of Tre Fontane and the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.

St Peter’s Chains and Michelangelo’s Moses

The tour begins at San Pietro in Vincoli, the Basilica of St Peter in Chains. Beneath the high altar are chains traditionally associated with St Peter’s imprisonment in Jerusalem and Rome. Your guide explains the tradition surrounding the chains, St Peter’s miraculous liberation recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, and the basilica’s place in Christian Rome.

The church also houses Michelangelo’s celebrated statue of Moses, created for the tomb of Pope Julius II. You will learn how its power, symbolism and unusual details fit within Michelangelo’s unfinished monumental design.

St Paul’s Martyrdom at Tre Fontane

Transport is included to the peaceful Abbey of the Three Fountains, or Tre Fontane, traditionally venerated as the place of St Paul’s martyrdom. Here you will encounter the ancient tradition of the three springs, said to have appeared where the Apostle’s head struck the ground after his execution, together with the column associated with his martyrdom.

The Chains and Tomb of St Paul

The pilgrimage concludes at the magnificent Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four Major Basilicas. Built over the Apostle’s burial place, the basilica preserves the tomb of St Paul beneath the papal altar. Pilgrims also see the chain traditionally associated with St Paul’s imprisonment. Its vast interior, ancient traditions and sacred art provide a fitting conclusion to a journey through the Apostle’s mission, suffering and witness to Christ.

A Catholic Tour of Apostolic Rome

This three-hour Catholic tour brings together Scripture, history, sacred relics and great art. It is especially suited to pilgrims wishing to understand why Sts Peter and Paul are honoured together as the two pillars of the Church of Rome—and how the Word of God endured despite imprisonment and persecution.

For other individual experiences, explore our Catholic Tours. For multi-day packages combining several tours, visit our Pilgrimages page.

Why Book the Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour?

Book this Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour to connect Rome’s major Petrine and Pauline sites in one coherent pilgrimage. The route brings together the Apostles’ imprisonment, martyrdom and burial while leaving time for prayer, reflection and questions with a specialist Catholic guide.

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour, less the cost of any tickets or transport already purchased on your behalf.

Continue exploring Apostolic Rome with the Crucis guide to San Clemente’s Catholic history and its connection with the generations following St Peter.

What should I bring on the Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for the church visits. Check your meeting instructions before setting out and allow time to reach the starting point. Your guide gives explanations where permitted, leaving space for silence and prayer in active places of worship.

Additional information