It’s definitely not Europe’s best Metro system, but the subway system in Rome isn’t that bad. Knowing what is where certainly helps. Below is a list of some Catholic highlights that are easily accessible within a ten minute walk from Rome’s Metro stops.
One standard Metro ticket is €1.50.
A 24 hour ticket is available for €7.00.
A 48 hour ticket is available for €12.50.
A 72 hour ticket is available for €18.00.
A one week ticket is available for €24.00.
Those under 10 ride free.
Metro Line A
Line A connects the Vatican to the Cathedral of Saint John Lateran, passing through several of Rome’s popular sights.
Cipro
Vatican Museums
Just as you exit the Metro, you’ll pass by Santa Maria delle Grazie. Step inside to see an actual Roman parish church, complete with blood drives and gelato socials. There’s also an icon of Our Lady of Grace that dates back to the 11th century.
Hungry or need coffee? Forno Feliziani is nearby and won’t rip you off like so many places near the Vatican Museums.
Ottaviano
Saint Peter’s Basilica – signs on the Metro say to exit Lepanto for Saint Peter’s, Ottaviano is much more convenient.
Flaminio
Santa Maria del Popolo – Caravaggio’s paintings the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion on the Way to Damascus, Raphael’s Chigi Chapel, works by Bernini.
Piazza del Popolo
Twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto
Spagna
Spanish Steps
Trinita dei Monti – the Mater Admirabilis (Sacred Heart student can see the image located in the convent, just ask.)
Sant’Andrea delle Fratte – site of a Marian Apparition, the church where Saint Maximillian Kolbe celebrated his first Mass, two huge Bernini statues.
Barberini
Capuchin Crypt – bones from nearly 4,000 monks displayed across five rooms.
Republica
Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri / Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs – designed by Michelangelo, contains the meridian line, also houses several of the paintings which originally hung in Saint Peter’s Basilica (they were replaced with mosaic copies).
Termini
Saint Mary Major – One of Rome’s major basilicas. Contains relics of Christ’s manger, the tomb of Bernini, Salus Populi Romani – painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist, this is where Pope Francis comes to pray before and after every Papal journey.
Santa Prassede – Just across the street from Saint Mary Major, this church contains part of the pillar on which Christ was scourged. Also a lovely mosaic covered chapel.
Santa Pudenziana – Behind Saint Mary Major, this is Rome’s first Cathedral, also the site of a Eucharistic Miracle in 1610.
San Giovanni
Saint John Lateran – the Cathedral of Rome, contains part of the table used at the Last Supper, the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, and the first legal image of Christ.
Scala Santa – Across the street from Saint John Lateran, these are the stairs Jesus climbed when He was condemned to death. Originally in Jerusalem, of course, these were brought over by Saint Helena.
Down the street is Santa Croce in Gerusalemme – contains the relics of the Passion of Christ, including thorns from the Crown of Thorns, a nail, large pieces of wood, and even part of the Titulus (INRI).
Metro Line B
Line B goes through much of Ancient Rome as well as quite a few of the Station Churches.
Cavour
Saint Peter in Chains – the chains that held Saint Peter when he was in prison, also Michelangelo’s Moses.
The nearby Monti area is a great spot for eating.
Colosseo
Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill
San Clemente – a 12th century basilica built over a fourth century basilica built over a 1st century house. Awesome mosaics too.
Circo Massimo
Circus Maximus
We are pushing the boundaries of a ten minute walk, but from here you can also visit:
Santa Sabina – Cyprus doors that are over 1500 years old and contain one of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion. Also where the Dominicans were founded.
The Keyhole – at the entrance to the headquarters for the Knights of Malta, you can peek through the keyhole and see three countries at once, Malta, Italy, and the Vatican. Saint Peter’s in perfectly framed.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin – Contains the skull of Saint Valentine, and the famous Mouth of Truth.
San Paolo
Saint Paul Outside the Walls – This is one of my favorite churches in Rome. Contains the tomb of Saint Paul and has an amazing courtyard.