St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church, Clerkenwell
A majestic basilica-style church in London’s Little Italy, celebrating Italian heritage and faith since 1863.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church, located at 136 Clerkenwell Road in London, is a historic Roman Catholic basilica-style church built in 1863 to serve the growing Italian immigrant community. Designed by Sir John Miller-Bryson, it is modeled on Rome's Basilica of San Crisogono and remains a cultural and religious hub for London's Little Italy, featuring notable mosaics, statues, and memorials honoring Italian heritage and wartime sacrifices.
A brief summary to St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
- 136 Clerkenwell Rd, London, EC1R 5DL, GB
- +442078371528
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in mid-July to experience the vibrant annual Italian *processione* parade centered around the church.
- Admire the detailed mosaics and statues on the façade, which tell key biblical stories and honor saints important to both Italian and English heritage.
- Explore the memorials inside the loggia dedicated to Italian soldiers and those lost on the SS Arandora Star during WWII.
- Attend a concert or choir performance to appreciate the church’s rich musical tradition and magnificent pipe organ.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Clerkenwell’s historic streets to understand the area’s industrial past and Italian immigrant legacy.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to the nearby Holborn Station, then walk approximately 15 minutes along busy urban streets to reach the church. The journey typically takes 25-35 minutes from central London. No additional fare beyond standard zone 1 applies.
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Bus
Use London Bus routes 55 or 243, which stop along Clerkenwell Road near the church. Bus travel times vary between 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day, and standard Oyster/contactless fares apply.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to Clerkenwell Road takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £10-£20. Note that parking near the church is limited and the area is busy.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option. From Farringdon Station, it is about a 10-15 minute walk through historic Clerkenwell streets. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
Origins Rooted in Italian Community and Faith
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church was conceived in the mid-19th century to serve the burgeoning Italian immigrant population in London’s Clerkenwell area, known as Little Italy. The initiative was led by Saint Vincent Pallotti, founder of the Pallottines, who envisioned a dedicated place of worship for Italians far from their homeland. The project was supported by Giuseppe Mazzini, a prominent Italian political activist living in London. Consecrated on April 16, 1863, the church was originally named "The Church of St Peter of all Nations," reflecting its inclusive mission for Italians from diverse regions.Architectural Distinction and Design Influences
Designed by Irish architect Sir John Miller-Bryson, St. Peter’s is uniquely modeled after the Basilica of San Crisogono in Rome’s Trastevere district. At the time of its completion, it was the only basilica-style church in the United Kingdom, notable for its grand scale and Roman architectural elements. The church was intended to accommodate 3,400 people, though the final construction was scaled down. Its 19-meter height and basilica form make it architecturally significant, with a large pipe organ installed in 1886 by the Belgian firm Anneesens, considered among the finest in Britain.Facade Symbolism and Memorials
The church’s façade features a loggia with twin arches topped by three alcoves housing statues of Jesus Christ, St. Bede, and St. George. Two large mosaics depict biblical scenes: the miracle of the fishes and Jesus handing the keys of Heaven to Saint Peter. Within the loggia are two poignant memorials—one honoring Italian-British soldiers who fought in World War I, installed in 1927, and another commemorating 446 Italians who perished aboard the SS Arandora Star during World War II, added in 1960.Historical Challenges and Community Resilience
During World War II, many Italians in Britain were interned, and the church was temporarily managed by Irish Pallottines. It was returned to the Italian community in 1953, after which it underwent several renovations, including a significant remodeling in 1996. Despite being hemmed in by surrounding buildings, the church’s interior remains spacious and splendid, continuing to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for London’s Italian community.Cultural Significance and Annual Traditions
St. Peter’s Italian Church remains the heart of Little Italy in Clerkenwell. Every summer, it hosts the *processione*, a major parade celebrating Italian heritage and faith. The church’s choir and musical tradition are renowned, with regular concerts held inside, drawing diverse audiences. Its bell tower, built in 1891, houses a large bell known as "The Steel Monster," a distinctive feature of the church’s soundscape.Location and Urban Context
Situated on Clerkenwell Road, a Victorian-era arterial road connecting London’s West and East Ends, the church stands within a historically industrial and commercial district that evolved alongside the Italian immigrant community. Though the area has transformed over time, St. Peter’s remains a steadfast emblem of cultural identity and architectural heritage in this vibrant London neighborhood.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
