Rome is an eternal city, Catholic and very religious. Travelers who come to Rome, however, do not need to be Catholic to admire the beauty of the amazing temples that have stood here for centuries.
Visiting local Catholic churches will be a rewarding and interesting experience for both Catholics and ordinary tourists who appreciate the beauty and history captured in these centuries-old buildings - true architectural gems. Below you will find the most beautiful temples in Rome to visit if you find yourself in the capital of Italy.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is said to be home to the finest examples of Renaissance artists including Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio. The church was built in 1099 to deal with the Romans' belief that the ghost of Emperor Nero was haunting the square near Rome's north gate, all because of the tree in which the ominous-looking ravens lived. The tree was cut down and a church appeared in its place.
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Santa Maria in Trastevere
Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, most historians believe it was built around 350 BC. The church has an impressive mosaic of the XII-XIII centuries; over the years it has been significantly expanded and reconstructed. The church was destroyed when Rome was sacked in 410 BC, but then the temple was rebuilt.
A legend is also connected with this church, according to which oil was poured from heaven to earth on the day Christ was born. It was on this site that the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere was later erected.
sulpalco.itSanta Maria Sopra Minerva
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is ruled by the Dominicans. It stands on the site where the temple of the Egyptian goddess Isis once was, although at that time it was believed that it was the temple of the Greco-Roman goddess Minerva. The church was built in 1370 and is located about a block from the Pantheon. It is believed that Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is the only surviving example of an original Gothic church in Rome to date. It houses a statue by Michelangelo, as well as impressive 15th century frescoes.
thecarousel.itPantheon
The Pantheon is one of the few large places of worship in Rome that was not originally built as a Catholic church. The Pantheon is the most important architectural structure in Rome, it was built as a temple of the Roman pagan gods under the Emperor Hadrian around 118 BC, then was destroyed by fire in 80 BC. The Pantheon turned into a Catholic church at the beginning of the 7th century. Here are buried two kings and the greatest of the Renaissance artists - Raphael.
rome-roma.netBasilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is named after Saint Clement, who was the third pope after Saint Peter. The Basilica is just a few blocks from the Colosseum. The current temple is built on top of four previous buildings, including other churches that were destroyed by fires. The modern basilica is well worth a visit for its fabulously beautiful frescoes and mosaics.
settemuse.itSan Giovanni in Laterano
San Giovanni in Laterano (Church of St. John Lateran) is one of the four main basilicas in Rome. It is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, known as the "Cathedral of Rome and the world." It is believed that the first is the first Catholic church built in Rome. Outwardly, the temple does not seem as richly decorated as other churches, but just look inside and you will be amazed. Decorating walls, columns, mosaics, frescoes and even candlesticks with images of prophets.
deviantart.netBasilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome. The church includes an impressive array of artifacts and art representing Christian art to the civilization of Ancient Rome. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to pay their respects to the basilica, where every stained glass window, column or fresco has its own religious history. Travelers who will be in Rome on August 5th may want to see the celebration of La Madonna della Neve with wonderful snowfall.
civitavecchia.portmobility.itSaint Paul's Cathedral
It is not the oldest Catholic church in Rome, but certainly the most famous in Italy and one of the most famous in the world. It is believed that the cathedral was built on the site of the crucifixion of the first pope. The modern cathedral took 150 years to complete, but it was worth it. It is here that the works of the greatest Renaissance artists are located, such as Michelangelo, who designed the dome.
Rome is truly monstrously old. Ancient catacombs, ancient temples, grottoes, networks of narrow streets, inconspicuous buildings of the richest churches - all this creates an indescribable atmosphere. And the religious world of Rome is a separate universe with its own laws and traditions. The churches of Rome are so diverse and variegated that one involuntarily begins to doubt which one should be seen first.
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San Giovanni in Lateranno
The Lateran Basilica is at the highest level of any religious building in Rome, surpassing in status such ancient and indisputably revered monuments as St. Peter's Basilica. The archbasilica houses the throne of the pontiff. The first Christian church of Rome was once located on this site. Later, by the ninth century, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist appeared on the Lateran Hill, which for some time retained its status as the only papal temple.
The real dawn came for the Lateran Basilica, when Borromini undertook its reconstruction, giving the archibasilica bright baroque features. At the same time, huge bronze doors were transported from the Roman Forum itself for installation at the main portal. The Basilica of San Giovanni impresses with its richness of fresco paintings and mosaics in the classic Byzantine style. Carved ceilings, stucco columns, sculptures of the apostles, ancient religious artifacts made of silver and precious stones - the basilica justifies the inscription above the main entrance: "the mother of all churches in Rome and the world."
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
It is impossible not to notice the Basilica of St. Mary, since it is the largest church in the Catholic capital, as its name unobtrusively reminds of: "maggiore" is large. And in front of the entrance is a fifteen-meter statue of the Virgin Mary, cast in bronze. It's hard to accidentally walk by. In addition, despite the fact that the date of the founding of the church sends us back to the fourth century AD, this church is almost the only one in Rome that has almost completely preserved its authentic appearance. A legend about the Mother of God is connected with its foundation, who ordered to build a temple in the place where it will snow.
Snow fell, and the church began to be called the Church of the Mother of God in the Snows, but this event took place in August. The mosaic of the thirteenth century is of astonishing skill and is devoted to this subject. The richest ceiling paintings, medieval mosaics and magnificent examples of mosaic art that have survived since the construction of the church tell about the life of Christ and convey Old Testament stories. The church consists of three chapels, the most famous of which is the Sistine, so that fans of cultural shrines and those wishing to touch the holy relics are guaranteed to be satisfied with a visit here.
San Pietro in Vincoli
The Basilica is also known as St. Peter's Basilica in chains, that is, in chains. It is noteworthy that this artifact, which is an important religious shrine, is kept in a modern basilica. "Honest chains" were here thanks to Eudoxia, the Byzantine queen, who at one time presented them as a gift to the pontiff. She also laid in Rome the temple, which today we call San Pietro in Vincoli.
The basilica is one of the seven largest structures of this type in Rome and for many centuries has been one of the centers of pilgrimage. Its facade looks completely unremarkable, however, this is not surprising. External modesty characterizes most buildings of the fourth century. But most tourists come here not for the sake of sacred relics, but to see with their own eyes the stunning tomb of Julius II by Michelangelo with a sculptural composition of forty figures and undoubtedly the brilliant sculpture "Moses" by the same master.
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
This building, made of light stone, is one of the main temples of the Dominican order. It was donated to the order in the eighth century. Then on the site of the modern basilica there was a rotunda, named after Minerva after the name of the ancient temple of the same name, which was located nearby. It was here that at one time Galileo and Count Cagliostro "voluntarily" renounced their views. Not recognizing Santa Maria sopra Minerva is quite difficult.
This is almost the only temple in Rome, made in the Gothic style with pointed arches and sky-blue vaults, skillfully painted with stars. Unfortunately, medieval Gothic did not reach us in its purest form - in the appearance of the basilica, elements of the Baroque traditional for Florentine masters and Rome are still ironed. The main value of the temple is still the statue of Christ with the cross, which is attributed to the works of Michelangelo. It is sustained in the spirit of Antiquity and demonstrates the moment of the resurrection of Christ.
Santa Maria del Popolo
Quite a large building, decorated in gray and blue tones, makes very few people look at themselves, but behind such an unremarkable shell, real treasures are hidden. According to legend, once on the site of the basilica there was the grave of Nero, over which a poplar gradually grew, quickly chosen by crows. This place was already considered cursed, and the appearance of a bony tree and black birds made the picture even less attractive. Everything changed at the end of the eleventh century when the Pope had a dream. The Virgin Mary ordered to destroy the poplar and create a temple in its place.
First, the chapel appeared, and then the basilica itself. You can talk about the interior of this place for hours - many geniuses of their era left their masterpieces here. So, at different times, Giovanni Bernini worked on the design of the chapels, who gave the building a baroque look, Rafael Santi, who decorated the dome with a large-scale dome both in terms of scope and design, with the Creation of the World mosaic, Caravaggio, an Italian master who gave this place two his paintings, and Pinturicchio, although the work of the latter tourists will not be able to see. The chapel, which he designed, was badly damaged and was already reconstructed by Bernini.
Church of San Clemente
There is a small church to the east of the Colosseum, but under the low vaults there is a real storehouse of Christian shrines, dating back to the time of Emperor Nero. Oddly enough, but in this basilica you can even worship Orthodox saints, in particular the relics of Cyril, who created the Slavic alphabet. The tomb of St. Clement - one of the most important components of the basilica - is located on the lower level. Local mosaics are of interest. In modern terms, they are more like comics, besides, many inscriptions are made in a style far from high.
This allows linguists to talk about the existence of the early Italian language. The ruins of an early Christian temple were discovered under relatively new premises from the Middle Ages in the twentieth century. Of particular interest is the temple of Mithra, which dates back to the third century. Nowadays, a grotto has been preserved from it, in which benches and an altar made of stone are located under the vaulted ceiling. But the archaeologists did not stop there either - under the grotto were the remains of civilian buildings destroyed during the time of Nero.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The church has a laconic, strict design and is located on the left bank of the Tiber. Until the fourth century on the site of the church was the Forum of the Bull, and even earlier - an ancient temple built in honor of Hercules. The first building served civic needs - it acted as a distribution point for food to the poor, but gradually all charitable funds were concentrated in the hands of the Holy See, and by the seventh century the complex itself became the property of the Greek community, which fled to Rome when Byzantium fell.
Even in the sovereign name of the church, there is an echo of those times: "kosmidion" - from the Greek "beautiful". This characteristic was not accidental - the interior decoration of the temple is truly amazing. Cosmati's floors, an authentic Gothic red granite altarpiece, an Easter candelabrum from the thirteenth century, fragments of the Epiphany mosaic (the rest are kept in St. Peter's Basilica and in the Uffizi Gallery in sunny Florence) - all this can be seen in the chapels.
The bell tower, one of the highest in Rome, is extremely delicate and decorated with multi-colored majolica. A somewhat unusual symbol of the church is the "Mouth of Truth" - a marble slab reaching almost two meters in diameter. The exact application of this echo of Antiquity is still not entirely clear, but the Triton mask that adorns it is definitely of interest to tourists.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Oddly enough, but this basilica - due to a number of historical circumstances - has become one of the most popular basilicas among the Orthodox population. Two Orthodox icons were even installed at her altar, but it should be understood that the history of the creation of the church itself is in no way connected with Orthodoxy. It is important to understand that Santa Maria in Trastevere is considered almost the first Christian basilica officially allowed in Rome. The modern building was mostly erected in the twelfth century.
The main building material was travertine blocks, which were taken from the ancient baths. At the time, this practice was common. The facade is decorated with the image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus in her arms. The fresco dates back to the thirteenth century. The interior space - with high ceilings, stucco and gilding - is "bordered" with mosaics in the cosmatesco style.
Church of Santa Sabina
The basilica is located on the Aventine hill and is part of the monastery complex of the Dominican order. It was erected on the remains of the matron Sabina, revered in Rome. By the tenth century, local authorities appreciated all the advantages of the location of the basilica and turned it into a fortification. However, this state of affairs did not last long - soon the church building began to pass from the hands of one noble Roman family to the hands of another.
The series of reconstructions was interrupted only by the middle of the twentieth century, when the Dominican order wished to return the basilica to its authentic appearance. So, she was able to preserve all the characteristic features of the ancient Roman structure. If you find yourself in the Church of Santa Sabina, be sure to go to the courtyard, where the ancient orange tree grows. According to legend, this tree was the first orange tree grown in Italy.
Sao Paolo Fuori le Mura
This basilica is one of the four so-called patriarchal basilicas in Rome. It is located outside the city walls in the place where, according to legend, the Apostle Paul was buried. However, recently the sarcophagus of the apostle was actually found. The first version of the basilica seemed to Theodosius I not majestic enough for a place so significant for the entire religious world.
Large-scale construction began, which marked the beginning of the construction of the modern church. The building seen today has a classic look. The facade is decorated quite strictly and is decorated with the figure of Christ, on both hands of which are the apostles: Peter and Paul. The design contains echoes of the Byzantine style, as well as Gothic and Baroque architecture. The basilica is especially proud of the ancient organ, the last reconstruction of which took place in the twentieth century.
Sant Andrea al Quirinale
This church is another outstanding project by Bernini, commissioned by the Jesuit Order on Quirinal Hill. The order needed a place for a novitiate, that is, a period of novice, the institution of which was introduced in the sixteenth century. Once on the site of Sant Andrea al Quirinale there was an old church, whose building was too dilapidated. Only one foundation remained - a powerful foundation, on which a new baroque basilica was built for ten years.
Bernini himself considered it one of his best creations and could sit inside for hours, enjoying the knowledge that this work of architectural thought belongs to his authorship. The interior space of the church is very contrasting - dark side panels favorably set off the well-lit central part of the room. The dominant feature of the interior is the painting "The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew" by Guillaume Courtois.
Church of Saint Praxeda
This architectural monument of the ninth century does not stand out too much against the general background of Roman streets. The almost bare façade contrasts strongly with the splendor and luxury of interior decoration. It is here that the titular church is located, which is known for the most part for the beauty of ancient frescoes and the presence of a large number of remains of saints and great martyrs. It is named after Saint Praxeda and is located on the site of the former baptistery, dedicated to the same saint.
The life of this woman has come down to us in retellings and legends, but she became famous mainly due to the fact that she buried martyrs walled up in the Roman catacombs according to the canons of the Christian rite. Today, the crypt contains over two thousand remains of saints. Their names are engraved on marble slabs.
San Lorenzo fuori Mura
This church, unusual from an architectural and historical point of view, is located outside the city walls, since earlier Christian churches were erected on the burial sites of martyrs who - as the canons require - gave their lives for the faith. And they were buried according to the old Roman customs outside the city walls. The design of the church is more than original: in fact, it is a series of independent churches that were simply connected.
Until the Second World War, the church of Pope Pegalia and the church of Pope Honorius were clearly read in its appearance, but one enemy shell destroyed this amazing symbiosis. Most of the valuable frescoes were lost, only marble frescoes and a few early Christian sarcophagi survived. Also, the old part of the church, dating from the sixth century, was not actually damaged. Other premises had to be reconstructed.
Church of Santa Constanta
The first versions of the temple date back to the third century AD. Its construction is associated with the name of Constantine the Great, who decided to build a mausoleum for his daughters. The construction was started immediately, and very soon a neat light building with ornaments, mosaics with images of Jesus Christ and a finely painted dome appeared on the Nomentarska road. True, the mausoleum gradually began to turn into a basilica: first, a baptismal font appeared, and then other attributes of the church. This is how we see her today.
There are over 900 churches in Rome. It is, of course, impossible for a tourist to visit all of them, but there are those that are included in the obligatory "classical" program: St. Peter's Cathedral, the Pantheon (Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs), pilgrimage basilicas, some baroque churches. Even if you are not a religious person, the churches of Rome are definitely worthy of your attention, because many of them are masterpieces of architecture and at the same time museums where priceless treasures of world art are kept.
In this article, we will tell you about those Roman churches that stand out against the general background - with their architectural style, history or the presence of an unusual museum.
1. Santa Maria sopra Minerva /Santa Maria sopra Minerva
The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a church of the Dominican order, built between 1280-1453. after the image of the Florentine church of Santa Maria Novella. The basilica's rather nondescript façade hides a real gem - a magnificent Gothic-style interior with blue pointed arched vaults adorned with gold stars. it the only original example of medieval Gothic style in Rome (in Roman churches the Baroque style prevails).
The church got its unusual name "Holy Mary over Minerva" due to the fact that in its place there was once a temple of the Egyptian goddess Isis, mistaken in the Middle Ages for the temple of Minerva. The main treasures of the church - statue of Jesus Christ with a cross by Michelangelo (to the left of the altar) and the tomb with the relics of the patroness of Italy, Catherine of Siena. Also buried in the church is the outstanding early Renaissance painter Fra Angelico.
The Dominican monastery (in the building to the left of the basilica) was the headquarters of the Inquisition. It was within these walls of Giordano Bruno that the death sentence was read, and the famous trial of Galileo Galilei, during which he had to renounce his views on the heliocentric system of the world.
The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a couple of minutes walk from the Pantheon in the area known as the Champ de Mars (Campo Marzio). The beacon of the location of the church is egyptian obeliskinstalled on the back of a baby elephant designed by the genius of the Baroque Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini.
The most convenient way to get to the church is by arriving at the bus or tram stop in Piazza Venezia. Nearest metro stations: Barberini (line A), Colosseo (line B). The address of the basilica is Piazza della Minerva, 42.
2. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati / Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio in Prati
If Santa Maria sopra Minerva is an example of the medieval Gothic style, then the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati is already neo-Gothic, which is also very unusual for Rome. The church is small, but stands out on the Tiber embankment for its appearance, which was inspired by the architecture of Northern Italy, in particular the Duomo of Milan.
The uniqueness of the church is not only in its appearance. The sacristy houses a rather unusual museum, one of a kind - museum of Souls in Purgatory (museo delle Anime del Purgatorio). A fire broke out in the first building of the church, during which the priest Victor Jouet noticed that a sad human face appeared behind the altar. The priest decided that this is how a soul imprisoned in purgatory is trying to get in touch with someone living. According to the ideas of Catholics, if for the soul they earnestly pray on Earth, this will facilitate its entry into heaven.
Victor Jouet began to collect evidence and facts of this phenomenon - attempts by the dead to contact the living. This is how an unusual museum appeared, where such exhibits as, for example, a book with a trace, as if left by a burnt hand, or a pillowcase with the emerging face of a nun were collected. So the soul from Purgatory tried to send a message to its sisters asking them to pray for her more earnestly.
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati is located on the Lungotevere Tiber, a 10-minute walk from the castle. Nearest metro stations: Lepanto (line A), Spagna (line A). Church address: Lungotevere Prati, 12.
3. Church of St. Ignatius / Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola in Campo Marzio
The Church of Saint Ignatius is a typical example of Baroque architecture and is the most common architectural style in Rome. The church was built between 1626-1650. and dedicated to Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order.
What is remarkable about the Church of St. Ignatius? In addition to the rich baroque interior, attention is drawn to the ceiling, decorated with a magnificent fresco "Triumph of St. Ignatius" by Andrea Pozzo. This is one of the largest ceiling murals in the world. To make it easier for visitors to examine its details, a large mirror is installed in front of the entrance, aimed at the ceiling.
Even more surprising is the "false dome" of the church - this is the plane in front of the altar, on which the painting is applied, creating the illusion of volume. The reason for the appearance of the pseudo-dome is prosaic: there were not enough funds for the construction of the present. But the brilliant Andrea Pozzo found a way out and created 3D graphics, which in the 17th century. made a great impression on contemporaries.
"False dome" of the Church of St. Ignatius 
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of St. Ignatius is a short walk from the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in the Campo Marzio area. The most convenient way to get there is by arriving at the bus or tram stop in Piazza Venezia. Nearest metro stations: Barberini (line A), Colosseo (line B). The address of the church is Via del Caravita, 8a.
4. Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane / Chiesa di San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane
The Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, also called San Carlino, was designed by Francesco Borromini, a Baroque genius whose rivalry with Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini was reminiscent of the confrontation between Mozart and Salieri. Interestingly, very close to the church of San Carlino is Sant'Andrea al-Quirinale - a church designed by Bernini, which the master himself considered his most perfect creation and often came here in old age for Mass.
The Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane was built by order of the Trinitarian Order, which was engaged in the ransom of captured Christian slaves. Financial support was provided by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, whose palace was across the street.
The church is very small and compact, but it is considered the standard of the Baroque style and its first full-fledged "swallow". In plan, the church has an unusual oval shape, and the wavy lines of the interior create a sense of constant flow and movement. Behind these wavy lines are complex mathematical calculations: at one time, the seemingly impossible architecture of the church made a splash.
It is also interesting where the church is located - at the crossroads, at the corners of which there are 4 fountains, symbolizing the Tiber and Arno rivers, the goddesses Diana and Juno.
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is located near the Quirinal Palace and the Barberini Palace. Nearest metro stations: Barberini (line A), Repubblica (line A). The address of the church is Via del Quirinale, 23.
B asilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli y dei Martiri was rebuilt from the ruins of the Emperor Diocletian's baths, which were the largest in Rome. Therefore, its appearance is significantly different from the churches built from scratch. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, “the queen of angels,” as she is often called, and the patron of the Christian slaves-martyrs who died during the construction of the baths. The restructuring project was entrusted to Michelangelo himselfand this church is his last work before his death.
Behind the not very remarkable, almost ascetic facade of the basilica, it is very difficult to guess the majestic and magnificent interior, decorated with sculptures, frescoes and marble columns. But the most interesting thing is not on the walls and ceiling, but on the floor of the basilica.
Not everyone knows that it was the Roman popes who stood at the origins of the calendar that we use today, and were involved in financing astronomical projects. So on the floor of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli y dei Martiri, by order of Pope Clement XI in 1702, a 44 m long meridian line (Linea Clementina) appeared, created by the philosopher, mathematician and astronomer Francesco Bianchini.
The line was needed to dispel doubts about the accuracy of the new Gregorian calendar, to which the Catholic world switched a century earlier. This is a sundial and a calendar by which it was possible to determine (with the help of a sunbeam falling on the floor from a hole in the wall) the days of the solstice and the equinox. Various zodiacal constellations made of marble are placed along the entire meridian line. On the right side of the line are summer and autumn constellations, on the left - spring and winter. Yellow stars can also be seen along the meridian, indicating the positions of some of the most important stars and their names.
Where is it and how to get there
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli y dei Martiri is located in the Place de la Republique. Nearest metro station: Repubblica (line A). The address of the church is Piazza della Repubblica, 00185.
6. Church of Saints Peter and Paul in the quarterEUR / Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, dedicated to the patron apostles of the Eternal City, is one of the most significant examples of modern architecture in Rome. The history of this church is unusual because it was built as part of a complex of buildings in the new quarter. EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) - an architectural project of the fascist regime, inspired by the legacy of imperial Rome, with its exaltation of the role of the state and rulers.
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul turned out to be very monumental, a kind of rethinking of the Cathedral of Saint Peter (Michelangelo's project was indeed adopted by the architects), just as the Palace of Italian Civilization ("square" Colosseum) became a rethinking of the Colosseum. It is located on a hill, towering over the Tiber, which is why, as the locals joke, some uninformed tourists on the way from Fiumicino to the center even mistake it for the original St. Peter's Basilica.
A stepped ramp leads to the basilica, which is crowned with giant statues of Saints Peter and Paul (just like at St. Peter's Basilica). The church's façade is clad in travertine, the most popular material in Rome, which was used, for example, in the construction of the Colosseum.
Where is it and how to get there
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is located in the EUR quarter in the southwest of Rome. Not far from the church is the most famous example of architecture of the regime of Benito Mussolini - the "square" Colosseum. Nearest metro station: EUR Palasport (line B). The address of the church is Piazzale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, 8.
As you know, there are more churches in Rome than in any city in the world - there are more than nine hundred of them! You will hardly be able to see all of them, but you can start getting to know them by visiting the most amazing ones.
1. Cathedral of St. Peter (San Pietro), piazza San Pietro
Yes, this basilica is in all guidebooks, every guide will bring you here, and to get inside you will have to stand in a long queue of tourists on the street. And yet, our list of the most amazing churches in Rome, we could not start with another temple. The largest Christian church in Rome, the main building of the Vatican, the center of attraction for millions of Catholics and millions of tourists and art and history lovers from all over the world. The cathedral was built over the centuries, and when you go inside, you will see why it took so long. The beauty and grandeur of the building is breathtaking! When you are tired, climb the dome to enjoy the view from the observation deck - the whole city is in full view! A pleasant bonus - from a height you can see the Vatican gardens adjacent to the walls of the basilica.
The most interesting excursions to the Vatican
2. Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda
In the era of ancient Rome, it was a temple of pagan Roman deities, and in the 7th century it became a Christian basilica. The uniqueness of the structure of the structure is that it fits into an ideal sphere - and in fact, the diameter and height of the dome correspond to each other. Another interesting detail is the hole in the center of the dome. Exactly where the dome usually closes, ensuring the stability of the structure, here is a round hole ... According to legend, it was through it that pagan gods flew out of the temple. In this we can either believe or not. But each tourist can check the reliability of another legend personally. It says that, paradoxically, not a drop of rain falls through the hole in the dome into the temple during rain. If you find yourself near Rotonda Square on a rainy day, take a look at the Pantheon to see if there is a characteristic puddle on the floor in the center.
3, 4. Twin churches of Santa Maria di Montesano and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (Santa Maria di Montesano e Santa Maria dei Miracoli), Piazza del Popolo
There are many similar churches in the world. But twin churches, which also stand next to one another - you will see this only in Rome. Come to Piazza del Popolo, stand in the center of the square, facing the Via del Corso - and you can start playing the game "find 10 differences". Like real twins, these basilicas are not exactly the same, but to see how they are different will require time and attention from you. Inside each of the two churches, you will find a lot of interesting things. For example, in the main altar of Santa Maria dei Miracoli there is a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary (the church is named after her, from Italian miracolo - miracle).
5. Basilica of Saint Eupraxia (Santa Prassede), via de Santa Prassede, 9 / a
A rare example of a Byzantine church in Rome, located near Santa Maria Maggiore - the Basilica of Saint Eupraxia - surprises with its magnificent mosaics against a golden background. In this church, which Russian tourists will find especially "native" - \u200b\u200bbecause of the more familiar decor for Orthodox churches, the chapel of St. Zeno deserves special attention. For its exceptional beauty, the latter is called the "Garden of Eden". It is here that one of the instruments of the Passion of Christ is kept - the pillar to which the Savior was tied during the scourging.
6. Santa Maria sopra Minerva, piazza della Minerva
In a city dominated by the Baroque, it is not easy to find even one example of Gothic architecture. It is all the more pleasant to come across the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva during Roman walks. The vaulted blue ceiling with golden stars is, alas, a restoration (19th century). But the side chapels carefully preserve the solid originals, and in such quantities that it will be enough for a small museum. Michelangelo's "Resurrected Christ", Perugino's frescoes and Bernini's sculptures are not a complete list of masterpieces that can be seen here. In the monastery attached to this church, the tribunal of the Holy Inquisition once sat, so that heretics, who were forced to publicly renounce their beliefs, were brought to Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
7. Church of the Merciful Father God (Dio Padre Misericordioso), Largo Terzo Millenio
If we talk about the amazing churches of Rome, then it is simply impossible not to mention this one. The creation of the famous architect Richard Mayer is not so easy to see - the temple is located quite far from the historical center of the city, in one of the peripheral districts called Tor Tre Teste. Those who find the time and energy to get to it will be rewarded - the reinforced concrete building bears so little resemblance to a church in the traditional sense that Rome is the last place where you expect to see a building of this kind. The temple was built in 1996-2003. made of special cement that contains titanium dioxide. Thanks to him, the walls are self-cleaning and always remain white, and the air inside the building is also cleaned of pollution.
8. Mausoleum of Saint Constance (Mausoleo di Santa Costanza), via Nomentana, 349
One of the oldest churches in the city, a rare example of a Christian structure, which is completely round on the plan. It is a treasure house that houses the earliest examples of Christian art and architecture in Rome. A round building with a diameter of 29 meters, built for the repose of the daughters of Constantine the Great, Helena and Constance, at the beginning of the 4th century. Subsequently, Constance was canonized and the mausoleum became a basilica named after her, and now it is one of the main monuments of the fusion of the style of ancient Christian basilicas with the Roman vaulted style. The sarcophagi that are in the church are just copies. The originals were taken out, Helen's sarcophagus to the Vatican Museums, and Constance's to St. Peter's Basilica.
9. Santa Maria in Cosmedin, piazza della Bocca della Verita "
Every day, crowds of tourists of all nationalities flock here and even stand in a long line to see ... not this church at all. Onlookers from all over the world are attracted by a strange artifact of the 4th century BC. - a marble disc installed on the side of the entrance to the basilica. The famous Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verita) is nothing more than an ancient manhole cover adorned with an embossed mask with an open mouth. Leave those who want to be photographed in front of this "relic" with their hand in the mouth of a pagan deity, stand in line, and enter The church has stood here since the second century BC, when there was a Roman temple on this site. Then it was rebuilt to fit their needs. Most of the interior decorations date back to the XII century, and the crypt located underground was built in the VIII century. from pieces of mica, a fresco with a tree of life and most importantly - a mosaic of the 8th century hidden behind a souvenir shop A surprise for romantics - it is in this basilica that there is a niche with the head of the patron saint of all lovers, St. Valentine.
10. Capuchin Chapel (Cappella dei Cappuccini), via Vittorio Veneto, 27
For the faint of heart, it is better to bypass this attraction. Those whose curiosity outweighs fear can go to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, located near the Palazzo Barberini and the Triton fountain. It is under this building that the entrance to the Capuchin Chapel is located, all the decoration of which is made ... of human bones. Arches of skulls, skeletons dressed in brown cloaks with pointed hoods, picture frames, pilasters, lamps, patterns on the walls - all these are the bones of monks who belonged to the Capuchin order and who died between 1528 and 1870. Six rooms of the chapel, where about four thousand monks "rest" in such a strange way, will "tell" you about the frailty of all that exists.
Popular excursions "Christian Rome"
September 22, 2018
The capital of Italy can rightfully be called one of the most religious cities in the world - the number of grandiose cathedrals and temples is simply amazing, not to mention the small churches and chapels hiding behind the nondescript facades of seemingly ordinary buildings. Walking around the city and examining the architectural delights of the capital, you can simply not notice the modest tarnished buildings decorated with a couple of dilapidated sculptures and dusty bas-reliefs. In this article, we want to present some the most beautiful churches in Romehidden from the eyes of most tourists and must-see.
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria - Santa Maria della Vittoria
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is located relatively far from the main tourist paths and that is why, apparently, it is not very popular among tourists. In fact, it's for the best! After all, this fact allows you to fully enjoy the luxury of the interior decoration of one of the most beautiful churches in Rome... One has only to cross the threshold of the temple, as begins to dizzy with gilding, grace of sculptures and superiority of decoration, not to mention the magnificent fresco that adorns the vault of the main nave of the church! This is the work of the talented Giovanni Domenico Cerrini, realized in the second half of the 17th century.
In addition, in the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, you can admire paintings by Guido Reni, Dominichino, as well as the famous sculptural group "Ecstasy of St. Teresa" outstanding.
Opening hours of the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria: 7.00 - 19.15
Break: 12.00 - 15.30
Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola - Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
Church of Sant Ignazio di Loyola
The Church of Sant'Ignazio is located in the heart of the city, close to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain , but she is also often passed by, but in vain. This is where you can see a real 3D Renaissance mural! The artistic painting of the ceiling, executed by Andrea Pozzo in the second half of the 17th century, is striking in its realism: the correct perspective, proportions and details attract the viewer's eye and take him “straight into the sky”.
Opening hours of the Church of Sant'Ignazio: 7.30 - 19.20
Break: 12.20 - 15.00
Gesu Church - Сhiesa del Gesù
Literally a stone's throw from Piazza Venezia and the famous one, there is another "inconspicuous" treasure - the Church of Il Gesu, which is not only one of the most beautiful churches of the Eternal City, but also the most valuable example of Renaissance architecture.
The project of the church was developed by the Florentine Nanni di Baccio Biggio, revised by Michelangelo and completed by Vignola, and the construction work was supervised by Giacomo della Porta, a student of the same Michelangelo and Vignola.
Gesu Church
The interior is made in the style of mannerism. The interior space, which has only one nave, is decorated with frescoes, stucco and gilding. Each decorative element attracts attention with the quality of workmanship and detailing. Voluminous art paintings deserve special attention.
Gesu Church working hours: 7.00 - 19.45
Break: 12.30 - 16.00
Church of Sant Agnese in Agone - Chiesa di Sant Agnese in Agone
Church of Sant'Anese in Agone
The church dedicated to Saint Agnes is undoubtedly one of the most notable churches on our list, as it is located in everyone's favorite Piazza Navona in plain sight! Surely, many have a couple of photos with views of its graceful facade and the legendary fountain of the Four Rivers located opposite. However, not everyone saw this masterpiece from the inside. Constructed as the private chapel of Pope Innocent X, Sant'Agnese Church is distinguished by its special luxury and charm. The creators of this treasure were famous Renaissance masters: Girolamo and Carlo Rainaldi, Francesco Barromini, Baciccio and some others.
Opening hours of the Church of Sant Agnese: 7.30 am - 7.00 pm
Break: 12.30 - 15.30
Santa Maria in Valicella - Chiesa di Santa Maria in Vallicella
Church of Santa Maria in Valicella
The Church of Santa Maria in Valicella, better known as Chiesa Nuova, fascinates at first sight. This is an irresistible example of the architecture of a divine temple, with a special bewitching power. In its interior, literally everything is beautiful: from luxurious paintings by talented artists of the 17th-18th centuries and graceful sculptures to the smallest details of plaster decor elements. The frescoes that adorn the apse and the inner surface of the dome are especially charming.
Opening hours of the Church of Santa Maria in Valicella: 7.30 - 19.00
Break: 12.00 - 16.30
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
Built between 1518 and 1589, it was dedicated to King Louis IX of France (1214-1270) and was intended for the large French-speaking Christian community in Rome. Here you can see three original paintings by Caravaggio, painted by him in the period 1599 - 1602 by order of the late Cardinal Matteo Contrelli, and placed in his chapel to the left of the main altar of the church - Saint Matthew and the Angel, Martyrdom of Saint Matthew and the Calling of the Apostle Matthew.
Of course, this is not a complete list of the most beautiful churches in Rome, all the more so for everyone there is in Rome his own, special and unique, beloved at first sight, church. We'd love to hear in the comments your stories about the beautiful churches in Rome. Share your impressions!
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