“Rome was not built in a Day”
When you ask people what they know about Italy? The answer would be ancient architecture, great food, amazings landscapes and beautiful cities such as Rome.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is famous for its churches with more than 900 of them. Wondering what to visit?
In this article, you will find a list of the most famous churches in Rome.
Famous churches in Rome
The most famous churches in Rome are:
- St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is the Vatican’s symbol and the most important church for Christians.
The major Basilica ranked in the world is known to be the pope's church.
San Pietro is one of the holiest places you will ever see. You can't help but admire the beautiful architecture designed by the famous Michelangelo while taking your time to enjoy the fabulous panoramic view from above from the cupola.
Location: Vatican - City
How to get there: Metro A Ottaviano - San Pietro and 5 Minutes by walking
When to visit: 7 Am to 18:00
Ticket Information: Free Entry- Cupola: 10€ - Pantheon
One of the smallest churches in Rome, it’s the first temple in history where people used to pray.
The pantheon was transformed into a church. In fact, before the completion of the pantheon, people used to give the gifts to the priest, not to God believing they were sacred and divine.
Then after the completion of pantheon, churches were built using the idea of the direct presence of people like in Pantheon.
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 63
How to get there: Metro A Barberini
When to visit: 9 Am to 18:30
Ticket Information: Free Entry - Santa Maria Maggiore
The largest church in Rome is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, one of the most holy churches that kept the meaning of Christianity. Every ink and every art is related to religious history. The cathedral, at 75 Meter is the tallest one in Rome.
Have you heard of Miracles of Snow, it’s an event occuring every year on August 5th, commemorating the legend of miraculous summer snowfall.
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
How to get there: Metro Line A+B Termini
When to visit:7 Am to 18:30 Ticket
Information: 3 € - San Giovanni in Laterano
The official cathedral of Rome is actually one of the first catholic churches in Rome.
The massive white structure of this church is the first thing that captures your attention. Not only known for its facade, but also for its enormous mosaics, sculptures, amazing paintings and the holy sacrament. It’s one of the oldest surviving structures in Rome.
Location: Piazza di San Giovanni In Laterano
How to get there: San Giovanni Line A
When to visit: 7 Am to 18:30
Ticket Information: Free Entry - Santa Maria in Trastevere
It's one of the most impressive churches to visit in Rome due to its amazing statues and paintings. This Basilica is the first one to be open for a celebrative mass. The art in this church is breathtaking from the first glance. Byzantine Mosaics were made later in the 11th century and it’s very well structured with the two rows of 22 large columns and the golden jewels. Don’t forget to take a seat, relax and enjoy the exterior view.
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria In Trastevere
How to get there: Metro B to Circo Massimo
When to visit: 7:30 to 21:00
Ticket Information: Free Entry - Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
The list of churches will not be completed without adding Santa Maria Degli Angeli e dei Martiri, this famous Basilica was built by Michelangelo. This church is known for its artistics statues, gorgeous paintings and the religious history of christianity. In addition to that, you can trace the footsteps of Michelangelo. Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is a must see church in Rome since this Basilica is the official state of the kingdom of Italy and a burial site for funerals.
Location: Piazza della Repubblica
How to get there: Metro A Repubblica
When to visit: 7:00 Am to 19:30
Ticket Information: Free Entry - San Clement Basilica
This Basilica is named Clement after the name of the third Pope. The mosaic in the apse showing Jesus on a cross that turns into a living tree. The floors are undergrounded, they have low ceilings and corridors. The more you climb down, the older things will be perceived. You have to visit the two lower levels, the first dedicated for the fourth century Basilica and on the second one for the ancient Roman house.
Location: Via Labicana 95
How to get there: Metro B Colosseum
When to visit: 9 Am to 12:30 Pm / 15:00 to 18:00
Ticket Information: 10€ - Santa Maria del Popolo
Tourists traveling to Rome must visit this church. It has seven chapels which contain the best examples by Renaissance artists. It's one of the famous squares in Rome. It was built based on superstition , it was believed by the nero ghost, the roman emperor had haunted the place, it was constructed to relieve this ghost. This work was done by famous artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio.
Location: Piazza del Popolo
How to get there: Metro A Flaminio
When to visit: 7:00 Am to 12:00 Pm / 16:00 to 19:00
Ticket Information: Free Entry - Santa Cecilia
Very important and essential to visit. It's from the 9th century, sculpted by Stefano Maderno. You can find a facade and a beautiful Roman courtyard. You can explore the beautiful crypt, the chapel and the amazing statues. In this church you can also see the underground with all the paintings and structures.
Location: Santa Cecilia Square in Trastevere
How to get there: Tram 8
When to visit: 10:00 Am to 13:00 / 16:00 to 19:00
Ticket Information: Free Entry - Basilica di santa Croce in Gerusalemme
This Basilica got its name for her construction which was built from soil brought from Jerusalem. Not to forget that it was created from the baroque arts and some amazing frescoes. It’s the best place to relax and free your mind. Like most of the churches, when you look up you will find astonishing designs and paintings of the ceilings. Additionally, if you go deeper in the Basilica you will find the fingernails of St Thomas that once tortured Jesus, a piece of wood of the cross.
Location: Piazza della Croce di Gerusalemme
How to get there: Metro A San Giovanni
When to visit: 7:00 Am to 19:30
Ticket Information: Free Entry
But who doesn’t know the Sistine Chapel? The famous Church built by Michelangelo is another story worth mentioning in case you forgot.
Tips to follow when visiting a Church in Rome
- Wear appropriate clothings, it’s a holy place. Shoulders and knees should be covered and always check opening hours!
- All the churches are mainly affordable if not free and all the people are welcome to visit. Rome is waiting for you!
