Rome is a city layered in centuries of history—imperial grandeur, martyrdom, sacred art, and theological insight. But among the vast array of saints, scholars, and spiritual figures commemorated in its basilicas and piazzas, the legacy of women is too often underrepresented or overlooked. This lecture and pilgrimage route aim to correct that, offering a journey of reflection and reverence through six Roman churches that commemorate six of the most extraordinary women in the history of the Catholic Church.

All six women have been declared either Patronesses of Europe or Doctors of the Church—distinctions that recognize their profound influence not only on Christian spirituality, but also on European culture, philosophy, and the development of the Church’s moral and theological teachings. They are not simply saints of personal devotion but voices of ecclesial wisdom, teachers of the faith, and icons of resilience.

The pilgrimage is as much about the spaces we visit as it is about the women we honor. Each church has been carefully chosen for its symbolic, historical, or physical connection to one of these holy women—creating a sacred map that traces not only their stories but the continued relevance of their lives and witness today.

Ludovica was born in Rome and fell in love with her native town in small steps. That is why she loves walking around in small steps and focus also on minor aspects of it such as inscriptions, sacred images, fountains... What usually happens is that a small or less known aspect of Rome pushes her literally to start a detective search because what she really likes, in fact, is studying. She has another passion, though, and that is music: she passed her piano diploma in 1992 and spent several years teaching music. That is why she is particularly attracted by the sound of the Roman waters, the many fountains, the river Tiber and she invites you to follow her if you want to take a tour off the beaten paths, walking in the Roman streets as well as entering in some of the several churches and basilicas of Rome, incredibly beautiful and rich in history. Roma, non basta una vita! Rome, a lifetime is not enough!