The relationship that developed between the Carolingian dynasty and the papacy during the later eighth and the ninth century was of crucial importance for both institutions. A well-known pilgrim's itinerary of the basilica that dates to the later eighth century enhances the understanding of the liturgical topography of Saint Peter's during the age of Charlemagne. It draws our attention to an oratory dedicated to Saint Peter the Shepherd that, on the basis of other contemporary evidence, seems to have been a focus for Carolingian patronage. The interpretation of the pilgrim's route and the doctrinal function of the Oratorium Pastoris adds considerable significance to two gifts to the basilica that may be assigned to this oratory. The first of these gifts was a votive crown, a regnum, to hang above an altar. The occasion of the donation of Hildegard's altar cloth was probably also that of a royal baptism in Rome.