Jubilee 2025: Tour of the Churches of Civitavecchia

On the occasion of the 2025 Jubilee, you can embark on a walking tour from the port to discover some of the most beautiful churches in Civitavecchia.

But before we delve into the itinerary, let's take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary nature of this Jubilee. It marks the 25th Ordinary Jubilee, an event that occurs precisely every 25 years...and the fact that it falls in 2025 makes it even more special! It's a truly unique event that will never happen again.

So, join us on a simple 5-stop itinerary starting from Largo della Pace and ending at the Church of the Holy Japanese Martyrs, where you'll have the chance to admire some of the city's most beautiful churches."

1. Jubilee 2025: First Stop - Church of the Oration and Death

Our first stop is just a short walk away. From Largo della Pace, follow Via XVI Settembre to Piazza Luigi Calamatta, where you'll find numerous bars and restaurants, as well as the Municipal Library. From here, ascend the charming Via Colle dell'Olivo for a delightful glimpse of the historic center.

At the end of the street, just after the remains of the ancient medieval tower, you'll find yourself in front of the Church of the Oration and Death. This is the oldest church in Civitavecchia!The church is a true architectural gem, with a structural layout typical of Baroque churches from the second half of the 17th century. Completely restored in 1702, it also withstood the bombings of World War II.

At the end of the nave, three chapels open up: the High Altar Chapel, the Chapel of the Holy Crucifix, and the Chapel of the Blessed Benedetto and Anna. Four symmetrical side doors lead to four additional chapels: the Guglielmini Chapel (dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Seven Sorrows), the Chapel of San Michele (which served as an oratory), the sacristy, and the parish office.

2. Jubilee 2025: Second Stop - Church of the Star

Leaving the Church of Death, turn left and immerse yourself in the beautiful Piazza Aurelio Saffi. Discover a variety of restaurants and savor the delicious local cuisine.

After crossing the picturesque Archetto passage from the piazza, you'll reach Piazza Leandra and the Church of the Star.

This charming little church, also known as the Church of the Virgin of Grace, is home to the Archconfraternity of the Gonfalone, founded by Saint Bonaventure in 1274.

Inside, you can admire a beautiful wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and several stunning paintings, including "The Adoration of the Child Jesus" and "Christ Between Two Saints." In the tabernacle above the altar, the statue of Madonna delle Grazie is kept.

Inside, you can also admire the precious wooden crucifix of the Dead Christ. Every year on Good Friday, the evocative Procession of the Dead Christ takes place through the streets of Civitavecchia.

3. Jubilee 2025: Third Stop - Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi

From the Church of the Star, descend Via Piave and then Via Giuseppe Giusti to reach Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Here you'll find the third stop on our itinerary: the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, the most important church in the city.

Upon arriving, you'll be captivated by the elegant structure and the tall Baroque façade with its single central door, from which a wide fan-shaped staircase descends.

Upstairs, the church is adorned with two large statues depicting Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Once inside, the church is simply stunning with its single nave, flanked by symmetrical chapels carved into the background, interspersed with pillars whose bases and rich capitals seem to support the majestic barrel vault that covers the entire space.

4.Jubilee 2025: Fourth Stop - Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception 

From the Cathedral, head towards Largo Plebiscito and then take Viale Garibaldi to Piazzale degli Eroi. There you'll find the fourth stop, the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, or the "Church of the Ghetto".

t's right next to the War Memorial and is run by the Franciscans. Get this: it's actually the first parish worldwide dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

It is interesting to note that in 1854, while preparations were being made for the communion of some children, a Marian miracle occurred, in which the Madonna moved her eyes. This episode happened for three consecutive months and impressed the entire city.

A must-see stop!

5. Jubilee 2025: Fifth Stop - Church of the Japanese Martyrs

After the visit, you can continue to the Church of the Japanese Martyrs, walking along the entire Viale Garibaldi, then continuing along the Pirgo promenade to the Lega Navale, and then turning left into Largo San Francesco d'Assisi, where you will find the last stop of this itinerary.

Inside, you can admire the wonderful paintings of Luca Hasegawa, a very famous Japanese artist who converted to Catholicism. Among the first figures that Hasegawa painted, the beautiful Madonna and Child with a kimono (with Oriental features and wearing 16th-century clothing) and the scene of the 26 Japanese martyrs, who fell on the hill of Nagasaki on February 5, 1597, depicted in the five paintings of the apse.

Our Jubilee 2025 church tour concludes here. We hope you enjoyed it. But don't stop there! We recommend two more fantastic itineraries to discover the wonders of Civitavecchia.

THE HISTORIC PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA

CIVITAVECCHIA'S OLD TOWN CENTER