Churches of Rome
Italy is home to some of the most striking and unique churches worldwide, and Rome, as centre of the Holy See, is replete with stunning temples which are definitely worth visiting. In addition to St. Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican City, the following are the most renowned parishes of Rome:
Major basilicas
In Rome are located the four highest-ranking Catholic churches in the world, called the major basilicas in the world. All of them have a high altar, where only the Pope can celebrate mass.
In addition to St. Peter's Basilica, the following three basilicas enjoy the same distinction:
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica.
Basilica of St. John Lateran
The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Minor basilicas and other must-see churches
Basilica di San Clemente
Basilica of Saint Clement is an early Christian church, which has been reconstructed in various periods, dedicated to Pope Clement I.
Our Lady of the Conception
Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini was built between 1626 and 1631 by Pope Urban VIII. It is for the Crypt of the Capuchins
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval church that houses the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), which is located at its gate.
Basilica di 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
Other interesting churches
Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was designed by Michelangelo and is the only Renaissance-style church built in Rome.
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) was built in the fifth century to house Saint Peter’s chains when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.
Church of the Gesù
Erected between 1568 and 1584, Il Gesù was the first Jesuit church built in Rome. It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture.
Santa Maria in Aracoeli
Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is situated very near the Altare della Patria and is one of the most popular churches among the locals.
Santa Maria della Vittoria
Santa Maria della Vittoria is a church built during the seventeenth century after the victory of the Emperor Ferdinand II at the battle of White Mountain
Santa Maria del Popolo
According to a legend, the site where the Santa Maria del Popolo stands was haunted by Nero’s ghost. It contains works by Pinturicchio, Raphael, and more.
