Living Stones is a network of volunteers that was organized in response to the growing number of tourist visits to churches and cathedrals in countries throughout Europe. You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy the free tours — just curious.
The awe-inspiring religious landmarks are more than just a great photo opportunity. The free tours are for visitors who would like to experience the art and architecture in a more spiritual way.
Watch the VIDEO. Then read on to find out how to connect with Living Stones’ free tours in a city you plan to visit.
Who Are the Living Stones?
Organizers of Living Stones (pietre vive in Italian) noticed that while society in general has become more secular, record numbers of tourists are drawn to religious landmarks. But why? The Living Stones are Roman Catholics between the ages of 18 and 35 who have volunteered for special workshops to deepen their own faith and explain it to others.
Do I have to be Catholic to enjoy Living Stones’ free tours?
No, just the opposite! Living Stones are inspired by the words of St. John of Damascus, who said, “If a pagan asks you to show him your faith, take him into church and show him the icons and explain the series of religious paintings to him.”
Non-believers and people of all faiths are welcome. But even if you grew up Catholic like I did, you might learn something about the saints and scriptures you thought you knew.
A visitor asks a question about images on the ceiling of Saint James Church in the Old Town of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Living Stones volunteer guides answer questions about Catholic traditions and encourage you to experience religious art in your own spiritual way.
Why is the Living Stones tour free of charge, no tipping allowed?
While most European cities offer some kind of “free” city walking tour, like this one in Belgrade, tipping the guide is encouraged. That is NOT the case with Living Stones. Tipping, or payment of any kind, is not permitted. You might be asked to pay an admission fee to the church you are visiting, but the money goes to the church and not the guides.
According to the website, “If the guide accepts payment, the tourist feels satisfied because he is reassured in his belief that… nobody does anything without asking for something in return.” The idea of getting something for nothing may feel unbalanced, but it’s intended to motivate the visitor to fill the void with their own spiritual reflections.
During the Living Stones free tours, visitors move around the church in small groups. The guides talk about Catholic traditions and point out interesting details I otherwise might have missed.
What to Expect on a Living Stones Free Tour
I joined the Living Stones for a tour in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. We met at the Church of Saint James on the edge of the charming Old Town, a car-free pedestrian zone. Most of the visitors came with a large bus tour from Italy. A few of the Slovenian guides spoke in Italian, others worked with a translator. In small groups, we made our way around the side chapels to hear about the images and relics on display.
The next stop was Ljubljana’s cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The archdiocese charges an admission fee and enforces rules to maintain a respectful atmosphere, even when the pews are crowded with visitors. The Living Stones kept their whispered commentaries brief and answered our questions outside. The tour of both churches lasted about 90 minutes and finished in time for lunch.
Members of the Living Stones community in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. These young adults are Roman Catholics who are eager to share their enthusiasm for the beauty of religious art and architecture with visitors. As part of their volunteer ministry, they do not accept tips or payment of any kind.
How to Contact Living Stones
Visit the Living Stones website and click on the “communities” or “contact us” tab.
There are Living Stones Communities in:
- France: Paris, Saint Denis
- Germany: Berlin, Munich
- Hungary: Budapest
- Italy: Bologna, Cagliari, Florence, Galatina, Genoa, Matera, Naples, Palermo, Pisa, Ragusa, Ravenna, Rome, Torino, Trieste
- Malta: Valetta
- Portugal: Lisbon
- Romania: Cluj
- Slovenia: Ljubljana
- Spain: Burgos, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela
- Switzerland: Basel, Fribourg, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Zurich
- United Kingdom: London
- United States: Chicago
While the communities share a common goal, they tend to do their own thing. Some of the groups post a schedule of tours on the website or their Facebook page. Other visits are arranged by email. Contact the local group in the city you’re planning to visit. Let them know the dates you will be there. You can also request a tour in English or another language.
And if you would like to attend Mass in English in Ljubljana
Everyone is welcome to attend the weekly service at 10 am on most Sundays in the side chapel of the Saint Joseph church, a few short blocks walk outside Ljubljana center. Check the EML Facebook page for updates.
The pink church in Prešeren Square also has a Sunday Mass in Slovene, English and French. There is no charge for to attend the Sunday Mass at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Slovene, but you must stay for the entire service. If you do anything touristy like taking photos during Mass the ushers will show you to the door. When there is no service going on, the cathedral has hours when tourists are admitted for a small fee.
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