Nettuno:
Tomb of St Maria Goretti
Nettuno : Tomb of St Maria Goretti
Step into the sacred heart of Nettuno, one of Italy’s most meaningful pilgrimage destinations, where faith, sacrifice, and devotion come together. This walking tour invites you to discover the spiritual legacy of Saint Maria Goretti, whose life of purity, forgiveness, and martyrdom continues to inspire pilgrims from around the world.
As you explore this historic coastal town, you’ll journey through sites closely connected to her story, reflecting on her courage and unwavering faith. Whether you are visiting as a pilgrim or seeking a deeper understanding of Italy’s Christian heritage, this experience offers a powerful encounter with holiness, history, and grace — leaving you spiritually enriched and inspired.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Maria Goretti, where the tomb of Saint Maria Goretti rests, and reflect on her life of purity, forgiveness, and heroic faith.
Learn the inspiring story of Saint Maria Goretti, her martyrdom, and her canonization, which made her one of the youngest saints of the Catholic Church.
Spend quiet time in prayer and contemplation at her tomb, a powerful place of healing and devotion for pilgrims from around the world.
Explore the historic center of Nettuno, discovering its deep Catholic heritage and longstanding pilgrimage traditions.
Walk through peaceful streets and sacred spaces connected to local Marian devotion and centuries of Christian faith.
Visit nearby devotional sites associated with the town’s spiritual life and the legacy of Saint Maria Goretti.
Pause for personal reflection, allowing the message of forgiveness and mercy to resonate deeply.
Conclude your journey at the Basilica, ending with a moment of prayer, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions : Experienced tour guide, Entrance to the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Maria Goretti, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions : Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Nettuno, optional donations, Entrance fees (if applicable)
Distance : Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility : Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point : Please arrive 10 minutes early in front of the main entrance of the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Maria Goretti, Nettuno. Your guide will meet you directly at the entrance. Please refer to Google Maps for exact directions.
Nettuno : Tomb of St Maria Goretti
Step into the sacred heart of Nettuno, one of Italy’s most important destinations of modern Christian devotion, on this immersive walking tour centered on the life and legacy of Saint Maria Goretti. This pilgrimage experience weaves together faith, history, and inspiration, inviting visitors to reflect on forgiveness, purity, and heroic Christian witness.
Your journey begins at the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Maria Goretti, the spiritual heart of Nettuno and the resting place of Saint Maria Goretti’s incorrupt body. Here, you will learn about her short yet profoundly moving life, her martyrdom at the age of twelve, and her extraordinary forgiveness that continues to inspire Catholics around the world.
Inside the basilica, explore the chapel housing the tomb of Saint Maria Goretti, a powerful place of prayer and reflection visited by pilgrims from every continent. Discover how her witness of faith led to her canonization and made Nettuno a global center of devotion, especially for families, young people, and those seeking spiritual healing.
Continue your walk through the historic center of Nettuno, a town deeply shaped by Marian devotion and Christian tradition. Stroll along its charming streets and peaceful surroundings, gaining insight into how the town became inseparably linked to Saint Maria Goretti’s legacy.
Along the way, hear stories of conversion, forgiveness, and grace connected to Saint Maria Goretti’s life — including the remarkable repentance of her attacker, a testimony to the transformative power of mercy.
Your tour concludes at the basilica with a quiet moment for prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Leave Nettuno with a deeper understanding of Saint Maria Goretti’s message of forgiveness and purity, and with your heart renewed by one of the most moving testimonies of Christian faith in modern history.
Nettuno : Tomb of St Maria Goretti
Located along the Tyrrhenian coast in the Lazio region of central Italy, Nettuno is a town deeply marked by faith, forgiveness, and modern Christian witness. Known worldwide as the resting place of Saint Maria Goretti, Nettuno has become an important pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual renewal, inspiration, and reflection. Beyond its coastal beauty and historic charm, the town’s true significance lies in its powerful connection to one of the most beloved saints of the modern era.
At the heart of Nettuno stands the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Maria Goretti, a sacred sanctuary that houses the incorrupt body of Saint Maria Goretti. Pilgrims from around the world come to pray at her tomb, reflecting on her heroic forgiveness, purity of heart, and unwavering faith. The basilica is both a place of deep devotion and a symbol of mercy and reconciliation.
Nearby, visitors can explore Nettuno’s historic center, where quiet streets and seaside vistas create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. The town’s spiritual identity is inseparably linked to Saint Maria Goretti, whose canonization transformed Nettuno into an international center of pilgrimage. Along the coast, Nettuno also lies close to ancient routes once traveled by pilgrims journeying toward Rome, continuing the long tradition of spiritual travel through Lazio.
Saint Maria Goretti and Her Witness of Forgiveness
Saint Maria Goretti (1890–1902) is one of the youngest canonized saints in the Catholic Church. Born into a poor farming family, she lived a life of simplicity, prayer, and deep love for God. At just twelve years old, she was martyred while defending her purity. What makes her witness extraordinary is her final act of forgiveness toward her attacker — a mercy that later led to his repentance and conversion.
Her body was later transferred to Nettuno, where it rests today in the basilica dedicated to her honor. The tomb of Saint Maria Goretti is a powerful place of prayer, especially for families, young people, and those seeking healing from emotional or spiritual wounds. Her life continues to speak strongly to the modern world, offering a timeless message of forgiveness, dignity, and Christian love.
Pilgrimage Tradition in Nettuno
Nettuno’s role as a pilgrimage destination grew significantly after the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti in 1950. Since then, millions of pilgrims have journeyed to her tomb, making Nettuno a focal point of modern Catholic devotion. The town offers a space for quiet reflection, confession, and prayer, where visitors can encounter the transformative power of grace and mercy.
Today, pilgrims and travelers alike find in Nettuno a unique blend of faith, history, and coastal serenity. Whether visiting for a short prayer or undertaking a deeper pilgrimage, the Tomb of Saint Maria Goretti stands as a living testimony to the triumph of forgiveness over hatred and faith over suffering — a message that continues to resonate across generations.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Nettuno
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and experience Nettuno, a coastal pilgrimage town rich in faith, forgiveness, and modern Christian witness. Home to the Tomb of Saint Maria Goretti, Nettuno welcomes pilgrims and travelers seeking spiritual renewal, prayer, and peaceful reflection by the sea.
Travel times are approximate and may vary with schedules and traffic.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
For a smooth and stress-free arrival or departure, take advantage of Meet & Assist services available at major airports, including Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (CIA).
A dedicated assistant will greet you, help with luggage, check-in, and security procedures, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
This service is especially useful for first-time visitors to Italy, elderly pilgrims, families, or anyone seeking extra comfort.
Please note: Meet & Assist services operate within the airport only.
By Air
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – ~65 km
Rome Ciampino (CIA) – ~55 km
Approx. 1–1.5 hours by car or taxi.
From either airport, continue by train, rental car, or private transfer to Nettuno.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Nettuno Railway Station (Rome–Nettuno Line)
From Rome Termini: ~1 hour
Direct trains operate frequently throughout the day
From Nettuno station, the Basilica of St Maria Goretti is reachable by taxi or a short walk
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive via SS148 Pontina, the main road connecting Rome with Nettuno and the Lazio coast.
From Rome: ~60 km (1–1.5 hours)
Paid and free parking available near the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and St Maria Goretti and the town center
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional Cotral buses connect Nettuno with Rome and nearby towns.
Schedules may vary, so advance checking is recommended.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct, comfortable journey from Rome airports or city hotels.
Ideal for pilgrims, families, and small groups traveling with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Nettuno is a compact and walkable town.
The Basilica, historic center, seaside promenade, and main devotional sites are easily accessible on foot, creating a peaceful pilgrimage atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Nettuno
Choose accommodation near the Basilica of St Maria Goretti, the historic center, or the seafront.
Options include boutique hotels, seaside guesthouses, and family-run B&Bs ideal for pilgrims.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Experiences & Activities
Enhance your visit with spiritual and cultural experiences, or extend your pilgrimage to Rome, Anzio, or other Marian and saintly shrines of Lazio.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Prepare comfortably for your pilgrimage and seaside walks.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Nettuno in person, you can still bring home a spiritual connection.
Explore Catholic devotional items inspired by Saint Maria Goretti, her message of forgiveness, and Italy’s sacred traditions.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary due to schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always verify current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
For the smoothest journey from Rome, combine a direct train to Nettuno with a short local walk or taxi — a simple and peaceful way to begin your pilgrimage.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Nettuno
We are looking for licensed tour guides to collaborate with us in sharing the faith, history, and spiritual legacy of Nettuno, home to the Tomb of Saint Maria Goretti. If you guide pilgrims and visitors through the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Maria Goretti, the saint’s tomb and shrine, or the historic center and seaside pilgrimage routes of Nettuno, we would love to hear from you.
Join us in helping travelers discover the powerful message of forgiveness, purity, and Christian witness that Saint Maria Goretti offers to the world.
Contact us to collaborate and become part of our faith-focused tour network.
Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.