The Via Francigena is the old walking road to Rome and the tomb of St. Peter, and the Testimonium is the basilica's certificate that the pilgrimage was made devotionis causa, for the sake of devotion. It is Rome's counterpart to the Compostela of Santiago.
The basilica's page, checked on October 10, 2026, names no fee and no desk hours. It gives a contact for arranging your arrival: accoglienza@fsp.va, or the switchboard on +39 06 6982. The Prayer Path is marked by a sign at the obelisk, and the same Reception desk handles the cloakroom.
The credential, the pilgrim passport stamped at stages along the way, comes from a pilgrim association and not from the basilica. The City of Rome's tourism office lists several, among them the European Association of the Via Francigena and the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome; ask yours how it sends credentials before you set out. That city page describes the final step a little differently, speaking of the last 100 km on foot and a stamp in the sacristy of St. Peter's. Where the two differ, follow the basilica, and look at its Testimonium page again shortly before you arrive.
As with Santiago, the certificate is a record and not the purpose: the pilgrimage is completed by prayer at the tomb of the Apostle, Confession and Mass.