The Apostle of Rome in the Middle Ages
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St. Philip Neri founded the Oratorians and ministered to the people in the 16th century. He comissioned one of the most iconic baroque churches in the city popularly known as "Chiesa Nuova", which was a restoration of the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella. He is known for his poverty but also for the tremendous joy and humour with which he lived the Christian life while serving the poor and youth in the city.
He was born in Florence in 1515 and came to Rome in 1534. As a priest, he was known for his mystical experiences where he was known to levitate during celebrating Mass and for running a hot body temperature because of his enlarged and "enflamed" heart, a gift of the power of the Holy Spirit. St. Philip Neri passed away on May 27th, 1595. According to tradition, his autopsy confirmed that he actually lived for a significant period with an enlarged heart. His tomb is on display beneath the altar of a side chapel at the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, also known as Chiesa Nuova.
Learn more about the Life and Works of St. Philip Neri
Footsteps of St. Philip Neri
Estimated Time: 4 Hours
Locations in Rome:
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Chiesa Nuova (Santa Maria in Vallicella)
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Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini
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Church of St. Jerome of Charity
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Catecombs of San Sebastiano
St. Philip Neri also founded the Seven Churches Pilgrimage of the Papal Basilicas in Rome.
Chiesa Nuova (S. Maria in Vallicella)
Baroque Church and resting place of St. Philip Neri, Apostle of Rome
Commonly called the "New Church" in Italian because the new construction replaced the previous church, also called "Santa Maria in Vallicella". The Pope gave the previous church to the Oratorians following the death of St. Phillip Neri, who then rebuilt it as "Chiesa Nuova". It was designed by Dionisio di Bartolomeo in 1592 in the baroque style.
The location is also known as the home of the "Oratory of St. Philip Neri", who were authorized to organize themselves as a congregation at this place by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575, and founded by St. Philip Neri himself. The Rule of the Oratorians was later authorized by Pope Pius V in 1612.
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Church of St. Jerome of Charity
House of St. Jerome and later St. Philip Neri, Iconic Spada Chapel
Saint Jerome of Charity is a small church hidden in the back alleys of the historic center of Rome. Although not very well known, this church preserves a unique treasure inside. When Jerome came to Rome to consult with the Pope, he stayed here in this place, where there used to be a house.
But the real treasure of the church is the "Spada Chapel." The chapel is an intimate place where two of the most important members of the family rest: Giovanni Spada, a close collaborator of Pope Innocent IV, and Bernardino Spada, an influential cardinal who lived in the 17th century.
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Basilica of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini
The church where St. Philip Neri started the Oratory that also first took care of people affected by the bubonic plague
Standing along the banks of the Tiber near the heart of Rome, the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini is the national church of the Florentine community and a place deeply connected to the spiritual renewal of the Catholic Church in the 16th century. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of Florence, the basilica reflects both the artistic heritage of Florence and Rome’s role as the center of the Church.
Construction began in the early 16th century and involved some of the greatest architects of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, Giacomo della Porta, and Carlo Maderno, who designed the elegant dome. The church’s refined interior and harmonious proportions express a union of faith, beauty, and humanist ideals.
A treasured element of the basilica is its relic of Saint Mary Magdalene, honoring the saint who was the first witness to the Resurrection of Christ. Her presence here highlights themes of repentance, mercy, and faithful discipleship—values central to Christian life and devotion.
San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini also holds a special place in the life of Saint Philip Neri, the “Apostle of Rome.” He frequently celebrated Mass here, and it was in this church that he died in 1595, surrounded by his spiritual sons. From Philip’s pastoral ministry—rooted in prayer, confession, preaching, and joyful charity—emerged the Congregation of the Oratory, whose early spiritual life is closely linked to this basilica.
Today, San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini stands not only as a monument of sacred art and Florentine identity, but also as a witness to the beginnings of the Oratorian movement and the enduring legacy of Saint Philip Neri’s gentle yet transformative spirituality.
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Catacombs of San Sebastiano
Constantine's Basilica and the Catacombs of Early Christians
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, originally a pagan burial site, transformed into a Christian necropolis in the 2nd century, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Renamed in the 4th century after Saint Sebastian, who was buried here after his martyrdom in 298 A.D.
Saint Sebastian, who survived an initial execution attempt, was eventually killed by Emperor Diocletian and buried here. Highlights include the cubicle of Jonah with its 4th-century frescoes, the crypt of San Sebastiano, and three pagan mausoleums later used by Christians.
The site also features graffiti from early pilgrims and a grand basilica built by Emperor Constantine.
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See Also:
St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Basilicas Self-Guided Walking Tour
Located throughout Rome, each papal basilica carries a rich story, with many pilgrims to Rome making the journey to each one before choosing a favorite. These four major basilicas—St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—serve as significant spiritual and historical landmarks for the Catholic faith. Open Map
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