Our Convent Stay in Rome

View of the domes and belltower of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

from the terrace of Suore di Santa Elisabetta

Rome in August is hot and crowded. This is even more so now since 2025 has been designated a Jubilee year by the Vatican which means the Eternal City will receive a deluge of tourists and pilgrims. By some estimates, between 30 to 35 million visitors will descend on Rome in 2025. Imagine trying to find a hotel at the last minute. We were lucky enough to secure a reservation at Santa Elisabetta on the same day we needed a room for a few days at a place where I had wanted to stay in the first place. Several days before it was fully booked when I was doing my search. But thankfully we got a room! Moral of the story: never give up.

This convent is well located, practically next door to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of five designated churches for the Jubilee Year 2025. It’s also a short walk from Termini Sation where we got off after our train ride from Terni.

Front Entrance of Suore di Santa Elisabetta

A slight uphill walk from Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore and you’ll find Santa Elisabetta. The façade has palazzo vibes and once inside you’ll find how large this property is. There is a chapel, a garden and a rooftop terrace with views of Rome. It’s a safe place to stay especially for solo female travelers. And families with young children will love the garden.

Ceiling of the Breakfast Room

Imagine having breakfast under this ceiling. I kept looking up to admire the intricate vines and wreaths that cover the ceiling while sipping my tea. Breakfast is included with the room rate.

Garden

After a long day of sightseeing, this garden with its whimsical statues of dwarfs and other favorite children’s book characters invites you to a well earned rest. Families with young children will surely enjoy this garden.

We didnt’t have to walk far to see Rome. Just had to go up to the rooftop terrace at the convent.

The crenellated tower of Torre dei Capocci from the 12th century dominates the neighborhood around the convent. It is 118 feet tall (36 meters) and one of about fifty medieval towers left standing in Rome today.

And here’s our view of the Colosseum. If you’re looking for simple lodging in a safe, convenient location at a reasonable rate, Suore di Santa Elisabetta is the place you’d want to consider. Just so you know, there’s an 11 p.m. curfew after which the double gates to the convent are locked.

Please check this link for more information about convent stays: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2020/01/budget-friendly-lodging-options.html

To know what to expect when visiting the designated Holy Doors at three of the Basilicas, read about it here: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2025/09/pilgrims-of-hope-jubilee-year-2025.html

How to get there:

Suore Santa Elisabetta, Via dell’Olmata 9, Rome

https://csse-roma.com/casa-per-ferie/

The convent is a few meters slightly uphill from Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore. It is a ten minute walk from Termini Station. There are many shops, restaurants and three grocery stores nearby.

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Images by TravelswithCharie

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