Churches of Rome

If the churches all over Italy are worthwhile, in Rome, seat of the Catholic Church, a visit is mandatory. In addition to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the following are some of the most highly recommended churches of Rome.

Major basilicas

There are four major basilicas in the world, and all of them are located in Rome. These basilicas have a high altar for the exclusive use of the Pope.

In addition to St. Peter's Basilica, the following three basilicas enjoy this distinction:

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
The burial place of St. Paul, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and the second largest after St. Peter’s.
Basilica of St. John Lateran
Erected in the fourth century in honour of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, St. John Lateran is the most important of the four major basilicas of Rome. It is also the Cathedral of Rome.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major basilicas of Rome and is the city’s largest of the temples dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Minor basilicas and recommended churches

Basilica di San Clemente
Built on the mansion of Emperor Titus Flavius Clemens, the Basilica di San Clemente is an early Christian church dedicated to Pope Clement
Our Lady of the Conception
Santa Maria della Concezione was built between 1626 and 1631 by Pope Urban VIII. It is known for the spooky crypt underneath the church.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval church that is well-known for the Mouth of Truth, which is located at its gate.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere still retains its medieval character despite the changes made over the years. It was founded in the third century.