During your trip to Rome and the Vatican this year take the opportunity to walk through the Holy Door and into Saint Peter’s Basilica! No matter what reason you have for visiting the Vatican City, take the opportunity to enter the Basilica in a rather special way!

What is the Holy Door?

The Holy Door is one of the three entrance ways into Saint Peter’s Basilica. This entrance portal however, is important for a variety of reasons. First of all, when walking through it, the Roman Catholic Church maintains that you will be given a free general indulgence from sin!
Secondly, the entrance portal is only open on a year that the pope deems a Holy Year. A period in which the Roman Catholic Church offers remission from the consequences of sin. This forgiveness is given under certain conditions. Holy years are usually declared approximately every 25 years. This year is the Holy Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis.

Where is the Holy Door?

The Holy Door is one of the entrance doors to Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Once you pass through security at the left or right hand side of the massive colonnade around Saint Peter’s square you just need to walk towards the right side of the Basilica’s façade to reach this special door. Once you reach the façade, turn left and head up the stairs. Once you reach the top of the stairs walk through the famous entrance portal located on the right hand side. The door will have a few small orange signs stating in multiple languages that it is “The Holy Door.”

When can I walk through the Holy Door?

The Holy Door is only open on years that are deemed Holy Years! This Holy Year will last for 349 days and the closing of the Holy Door will occur on November 20, 2016. You can walk through the Holy Door during your trip to the Basilica, which is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the summer and 6:30 p.m. in the winter.

On Sundays from around 10 am to 1:30 pm the Basilica is closed while Pope Frances gives a Blessing from a window in the Papal Apartments on the right side of Saint Peter’s Square. On Wednesdays the Basilica will not be open until around noon, after Pope Francis’s Papal Audience in Saint Peter’s Square.

Can I walk through the Holy Door?

Yes, anyone can pass through the special door and into the Basilica. The Roman Catholic Church believes that anyone can pass through the door and that by doing so anyone will receive a general indulgence. So whether you are visiting the Vatican for religious reasons or just to enjoy the splendor of Saint Peter’s Basilica, take the opportunity to walk through the Holy Door!