Pilgrims walking on the Via Francigena

Testimonium

The Testimonium Peregrinationis ad Limina Petri

This is the certificate (similar to the Compostela) issued to those who have walked the final 100km (opinions differ whether this is 140km from Acquapendente, 100km Montefiascone – where signs abound saying ‘100km ad limina Petri ‘– or Viterbo), or cycled 400km from Lucca.  In reality your credential is unlikely to be scrutinised with attention.

The Testimonium is issued in these places:

Uffici della Canonica di San Pietro

At the rectory in St Peter’s Basilica (use the Petriano entrance in Piazza S Uffizio and then go through the Ingresso del Petriano. Tell the Swiss Guard what you want). Your bag, if you have one with you will be scanned, and your details taken down.

You are then directed to the Palazzo della Canonica. The office is open every day from 8.30 until 12.30 except Wednesday and Sunday and special holy days such as the Feast of ss Peter and Paul (29 June). Take a photocopy of your pilgrim passport with its stamps in case you don’t find the relevant person; if you leave your address and photocopy of the stamped pilgrim passport you can get your Testimonium sent by post.

Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi 

You can receive your Testimonium certificate from Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (Piazza Pio XII, 9) in Saint Peter’s Square (Open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm).  The office is located on the right of Bernini’s colonnade standing with your back to the Basilica.

San Lorenzo Pilgrims’ Office Ad Limina Petri

You can also receive the Testimonium from the San Lorenzo Pilgrims’ Office Ad Limina Petri (Via Pfeiffer 24) in Rome. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 5pm (Summer time), and the process can be swift and simple. This is useful because you can leave your rucksack here in safety, and there are toilets.

By Post

It is also possible to obtain a Testimonium by post by writing to Fabbrica di San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, and enclosing a photocopy of your ID card or passport, a photocopy of your duly stamped pilgrim passport, your full address, date of birth, the starting place of your pilgrimage, the starting date and arrival date, whether you walked or cycled, and the reasons for your pilgrimage.