Highlights
- Ponte Milvio (Battle of the Milvian Bridge, 312 AD)
- Tiber River walk
- Via della Conciliazione approach
- St Peter's Square — ARRIVAL!
- Testimonium certificate at the sacristy
Stage conditions
| Section | Lazio (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Partial |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Roma Monte Mario station on the FL3 is the start; the finish could not be better connected. Roma San Pietro station, served by FL3 and FL5, is 300 m from the basilica, with regional trains to Roma Termini every half hour off-peak. Metro line A's Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani station is a short walk from the square, with Lepanto and Cipro either side. For the airport, the Leonardo Express runs from Termini to Fiumicino and the FL1 regional line from Tiburtina, Ostiense and Trastevere; FL3 trains from San Pietro connect at Ostiense and Tiburtina.
What the season does
The stage data lists every month as suitable for the last two hours, and it is true: this is a city walk to a basilica that is open year round. What changes with the season is the crowd. Easter, Holy Week, canonisations and papal audiences fill St Peter's Square and the surrounding streets, and a Jubilee year does so continuously; the Testimonium desk works through it all, but queues for the security check on the Percorso Oranti lengthen. Summer afternoons on the Tiber embankment and Via della Conciliazione are hot and shadeless; arrive in the morning, when the light on the dome is best anyway.
Safety on this stage
Traffic and crowds. The association describes chaotic traffic on the descent from Monte Mario, and the stage notes warn of heavy tourist crowds near the Vatican and pickpockets in crowded areas — keep valuables inside the pack, not in outer pockets, and be alert on the Ponte Milvio approach and in the square. Cross the Lungotevere at lights. The security check at the basilica requires you to queue with your pack, so keep it light and leave knives and poles with your host.
Water and food
Abundant. The association notes fountains at many points in the city, and the nasoni street fountains along the Tiber and around the Vatican are drinkable; there is one in St Peter's Square itself. Bars line Via della Conciliazione at tourist prices. The Ponte Milvio quarter has cafés for a celebratory coffee before the last stretch. Carry a small bottle and refill as you go.
Where pilgrims sleep
The directory's Rome entries are the Casa del Pellegrino Roma (pilgrim hostel) and the Hotel Santa Maria (hotel). For a true pilgrim welcome, the Spedale della Provvidenza di San Giacomo e San Benedetto Labre in Trastevere, run by the Confraternita di San Jacopo, offers donation-based beds to walkers with a credenziale who have covered the last 100 km on foot, for at most two nights, with dinner, breakfast and an evening foot-washing; book by email between May and October. For the Testimonium, present your stamped credenziale at the Reception desk on the Percorso Oranti, which starts at the obelisk in St Peter's Square.
Sources: Camminando sulla Via Francigena — IT44 La Storta–Roma · Spedale della Provvidenza di San Giacomo e San Benedetto Labre, Rome · Basilica di San Pietro — Testimonium · Wikipedia — Roma San Pietro railway station · Wikipedia (it) — Stazione di Roma Monte Mario · Wikipedia — Ottaviano (Rome Metro) · Wikipedia — FL3 (Lazio regional railways) · Wikipedia — Rome Fiumicino Airport
Common questions
How long is the Monte Mario to St Peter's Square stage?
It is 8.0 km (5.0 mi) and takes about 2 hours of walking, from Monte Mario to St Peter's Square, Rome.
How hard is Monte Mario to St Peter's Square?
It is rated easy with 30 m of ascent and 130 m of descent over urban terrain.
Is there water on the Monte Mario to St Peter's Square stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
How do I get to Monte Mario and away from St Peter's Square, Rome?
Roma Monte Mario station on the FL3 is the start; the finish could not be better connected. Roma San Pietro station, served by FL3 and FL5, is 300 m from the basilica, with regional trains to Roma Termini every half hour off-peak. Metro line A's Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani station is a short walk from the square, with Lepanto and Cipro either side.
Where do pilgrims sleep in St Peter's Square, Rome?
The directory's Rome entries are the Casa del Pellegrino Roma (pilgrim hostel) and the Hotel Santa Maria (hotel). For a true pilgrim welcome, the Spedale della Provvidenza di San Giacomo e San Benedetto Labre in Trastevere, run by the Confraternita di San Jacopo, offers donation-based beds to walkers with a credenziale who have covered the last 100 km on foot, for at most two nights, with dinner, breakfast and an evening foot-washing; book by email between May and October. For the Testimonium, present your stamped credenziale at the Reception desk on the Percorso Oranti, which starts at the obelisk in St Peter's Square.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.