Discover Rome's Historic Churches
For centuries, Rome's churches have drawn visitors from across Europe, with seven particular sites standing out as pilgrimage churches. These include the four major basilicas—San Giovanni in Laterano, San Pietro in Vaticano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Santa Maria Maggiore—as well as Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, and San Sebastiano.
Modern tourists often visit Rome's churches to admire their stunning architecture and art, which includes works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, and others. To enhance your experience, consider staying at one of the many hotels in Rome.
1. Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano (St. Peter's Basilica)
St. Peter's Basilica is the most renowned church in Christendom, believed to be built over the tomb of St. Peter. Inside, you'll find Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's bronze baldacchino, and numerous papal tombs. To avoid long lines, consider a Skip-the-Line tour.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Rome
2. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas, is unique for having held mass daily since the fifth century. It features Rome's tallest campanile, a gold coffered ceiling, and Rome's oldest mosaics.
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
Guided tours in Rome
3. San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran)
As the Pope's episcopal church, San Giovanni in Laterano is a Baroque masterpiece with a rich history and stunning artworks, including a 13th-century cloister and the Scala Santa with the Holy Staircase.
Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano 4, Rome
4. Santa Maria del Popolo
This church houses works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Andrea Sansovino, with a rich history linked to Martin Luther and the Augustinian order.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, Rome
5. Pantheon (Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs)
The Pantheon, originally a Roman temple, is now a church and burial place for notable figures like Raphael. It boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
6. Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of Rome's oldest churches, Santa Maria in Trastevere features stunning mosaics and a rich history dating back to the early Christian era.
Address: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome
7. Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
This church stands over the home of a martyred Roman girl and features a 13th-century fresco of The Last Judgement by Pietro Cavallini.
Address: Piazza di Santa Cecilia 22, Rome
8. Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Home to relics from the Crucifixion, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme was built in the fourth century to house holy relics brought from Jerusalem.
Address: Piazza di S. Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome
Official site: http://www.santacroceroma.it/en/
9. Santa Maria sopra Minerva
This Gothic church, built on the site of a temple to Minerva, contains works by Michelangelo and Filippo Lippi.
Address: Piazza della Minerva 42, Rome
10. San Clemente
San Clemente is a unique church built over a Mithraic shrine, showcasing early Christian art and architecture.
Address: Via San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome
Official site: http://basilicasanclemente.com/eng/
11. San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)
Known for housing the chains of St. Peter and Michelangelo's statue of Moses, San Pietro in Vincoli is a historic church with significant art.
Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli 4A, Rome
12. San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura (St. Lawrence Outside the Walls)
This early Christian basilica is a pilgrimage site with a rich history and beautiful inlaid marble work.
Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, Rome
13. Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval church famous for the Bocca della Verità, a large stone mask with a mouth that tourists often visit.
Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verita 18, Rome
14. San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul outside the Walls)
Once the world's largest church, San Paolo Fuori le Mura is a patriarchal basilica with a history dating back to the fourth century.
Address: Piazzale San Paolo, Rome
15. Sant'Andrea al Quirinale
Designed by Bernini, Sant'Andrea al Quirinale is a Baroque church that is often overlooked by tourists.
Address: Via del Quirinale 29, Rome
16. Santa Pudenziana
Santa Pudenziana is a fourth-century basilica with the earliest Christian mosaic in Rome.
Address: Via Urbana 160, Rome
17. Santa Prassede
St. Prassede is an early Christian basilica with ninth-century mosaics and a chapel dedicated to St. Zeno.
Address: Via San Martino ai Monti, Rome
18. Santa Sabina
Santa Sabina is an early Christian basilica with original wooden doors depicting biblical scenes.
Address: Piazza Pietro d'Illiria, Rome
19. Santa Maria in Aracoeli
Perched atop the Capitoline Hill, Santa Maria in Aracoeli dazzles with its interior decorations and chandeliers.
Address: Scala dell'Arcicapitolina 12, Rome
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Where to Go in Rome: Explore more of Rome's attractions, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and top museums. Consider renting a car for convenience.
Places to Visit near Rome: Take day trips to Tivoli, Naples, or the island of Capri using Italy's train system or guided tours.
