The Secret to Visiting Rome Like a Pilgrim

Elizabeth Lev — an American art historian who has spent decades guiding visitors through the Vatican Museums and the churches of Rome — has made it her life’s work to help people see beyond the surface of one of the most visited places in the world.

In this conversation, she reflects on what most visitors miss, the difference between approaching Rome as a tourist or a pilgrim, and how art, architecture, and history can open a deeper encounter with the city’s spiritual meaning. Drawing on decades of experience teaching in the streets, churches, and museums of Rome, as well as consulting for major film productions, she offers practical insight into how to approach a once-in-a-lifetime visit—and why preparation of the heart may matter more than any itinerary.

Having lived through historic moments such as the deaths of three popes, papal conclaves, and Jubilee years, she has seen both the best and worst of how Rome is presented to the world—and makes the case for rediscovering it with intention.

Guest bio:
Elizabeth Lev is an American art historian based in Rome, known for her work teaching the history, symbolism, and theology of Christian art. A graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Bologna, she has spent decades guiding students and visitors through the Vatican and the historic sites of Rome. She is also a consultant for film and television productions and a frequent speaker on the intersection of art, faith, and culture.