{"id":7613,"date":"2015-10-07T14:32:49","date_gmt":"2015-10-07T13:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=7613"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T17:54:33","slug":"the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide","title":{"rendered":"The Best Churches in Rome: The Must-See List!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#How_many_churches_are_there_in_Rome\" >How many churches are there in Rome?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Must-see_Churches_in_Rome\" >Must-see Churches in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#St_Peter%C2%B4s_Basilica\" >St. Peter\u00b4s Basilica<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#The_Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_Maggiore\" >The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#San_Lorenzo_Fuori_le_Mura\" >San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#San_Giovanni_in_Laterano\" >San Giovanni in Laterano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Santa_Maria_in_Trastevere\" >Santa Maria in Trastevere<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Santa_Maria_Sopra_Minerva\" >Santa Maria Sopra Minerva<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Basilica_of_Santa_Maria_del_Popolo\" >Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#The_Basilica_of_San_Clemente\" >The Basilica of San Clemente<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Santa_Cecilia_in_Trastevere\" >Santa Cecilia in Trastevere<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Basilica_di_SantAgostino\" >Basilica di Sant\u2019Agostino<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#The_Pantheon\" >The Pantheon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Must-See_Churches_in_Rome\" >FAQs &#8211; Must-See Churches in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Are_churches_in_Rome_free_to_enter\" >Are churches in Rome free to enter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Do_you_need_tickets_or_reservations\" >Do you need tickets or reservations?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Can_you_visit_during_Mass\" >Can you visit during Mass?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\/#Which_churches_contain_famous_artworks\" >Which churches contain famous artworks?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_churches_are_there_in_Rome\"><\/span>How many churches are there in Rome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If it feels like there\u2019s a church on every corner in <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rome<\/span><\/span>, that\u2019s because there almost is. The city is home to more than 900 churches, ranging from grand basilicas and world-famous landmarks to tiny, tucked-away chapels filled with centuries of history.\u00a0This extraordinary number reflects Rome\u2019s central role in the Catholic world, as well as its long, layered past where each era left its mark in stone, fresco, and marble. With so many churches in Rome to choose from, narrowing down the must-see churches can feel overwhelming, which is exactly where this guide comes in.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Must-see_Churches_in_Rome\"><\/span>Must-see Churches in Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"St_Peter%C2%B4s_Basilica\"><\/span>St. Peter\u00b4s Basilica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It goes without saying that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basilicasanpietro.va\/en\/san-pietro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/a> is one of the most impressive churches in the world. So, it make sense for many that if you only want to see one church and you are in the vicinity, then it would be St. Peter\u2019s, and we fully understand that. Indeed, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/visiting-st-peters-basilica\">insiders\u2019 guide to St. Peter\u2019s for the best visiting tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12184\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12184\" class=\"wp-image-12184 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Basilica-Vatican-City-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12184\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica in Vatican City<\/p><\/div>\n<p>However, if you want to branch out just a little more there is a staggering collection of beauty and religious significance awaiting you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s a short list of our picks for the best<\/strong> <strong>churches in Rome, whether you are making <\/strong>a <strong>pilgrimage or if you are just visiting and love amazing architecture and beautiful art.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17350\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17350\" class=\"wp-image-17350 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Walks_Vatican-Highlights-WEB-0016.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of St. Peter's Basilica Dome\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-17350\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interior of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica Dome<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_Maggiore\"><\/span>The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As the largest of the churches in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary,\u00a0Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the city\u2019s most important. Filled with artefacts and art, every inch of the church seems to be a part of religious history.<\/p>\n<p>Though its beautiful 18th-century fa\u00e7ade appears Baroque, it\u2019s actually one of the oldest churches in Rome, built around 440.\u00a0Some of the best examples of the church\u2019s long history are the 5th-century mosaics on the triumphal arch above the main altar along with those on the nave walls, which depict <strong>36 scenes from the Old Testament. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since it hasn\u2019t been remodelled or rebuilt like Rome\u2019s other major basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the Rome\u2019s best examples of an Early Christian basilica. Today, it\u2019s considered one of the best churches in Rome for anyone considering a pilgrimage from around the world.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15432\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15432\" class=\"wp-image-15432 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/The-Basilica-di-Santa-Maria-Maggiore.jpg\" alt=\"The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore\" width=\"1024\" height=\"638\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15432\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The external fa\u00e7ade of the apse on the north-west of the church on Piazza dell&#8217;Esquilino<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Each year on August 5th, thousands of white petals fall from the ceiling during the Basilica\u2019s\u00a0<strong>Miracle of the Snows\u00a0celebration<\/strong>, an event commemorating the legend of a miraculous summer snowfall.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"San_Lorenzo_Fuori_le_Mura\"><\/span>San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Okay, this isn\u2019t exactly considered one of the churches\u00a0<em>in<\/em> Rome: Constantine built the St. Lawrence Outside of the Walls Basilica, just outside of Rome over the tomb of St. Lawrence, a martyr and one of the first deacons of Rome. Today it remains a shrine to the saint, as well as St. Stephen and St. Justin.<\/p>\n<p>The<strong> church dates back to the 6<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century<\/strong>, and the triumphal arch still shows Byzantine mosaics from that era depicting Christ with the saints. 13<sup>th<\/sup>-century frescoes decorate the exterior and opposite the tomb of St. Lawrence is the \u201c<strong>stone of St. Lawrence<\/strong>,\u201d a marble slab with a large stain where the saint\u2019s body was laid after his execution.<\/p>\n<p>The Basilica has been funded by nearly every Pope since its construction, changing the small shrine into one of the largest religious complexes just outside the walls of Rome. It remains an important place of worship and site for Rome pilgrimages.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15435\" style=\"width: 1168px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15435\" class=\"wp-image-15435 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/San-Lorenzo-Fuori-le-Mura.jpeg\" alt=\"Inside the cloister\" width=\"1158\" height=\"651\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15435\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside the cloister<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"San_Giovanni_in_Laterano\"><\/span>San Giovanni in Laterano<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>St. John Lateran is actually the official cathedral of Rome (not St. Peter\u2019s!) and is the seat of the bishop of Rome &#8211; a.k.a. the Pope. One of the four major basilicas in Rome, the cathedral was built in the 4<sup>th<\/sup> century AD and is believed to be <strong>one the first Catholic churches in Rome. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, fires, vandals and earthquakes over the years mean little remains of the original church. It now has a more Baroque style with 16th- and 17th-century restorations.<\/p>\n<p>Though the fa\u00e7ade isn\u2019t the most impressive, the inside more than makes up for that. Frescoes, columns, mosaics and sculptures decorate nearly every inch of the ornate Roman church. The must-see sites for Roman pilgrims are the column fresco by Giotto, the altar\u2019s rich 1367 Gothic tabernacle &#8211; holding what the faithful believe are the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, and the Baptistery built by Emperor Constantine in AD 315.<\/p>\n<p>Today it\u2019s one of the oldest surviving Christian structures in Rome, and another one of the main Roman pilgrimage churches.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15430\" style=\"width: 805px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15430\" class=\"wp-image-15430 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/San-Giovanni-in-Laterano.jpg\" alt=\"St. John Lateran\" width=\"795\" height=\"600\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15430\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The oldest public church in the city of Rome and the oldest basilica of the Western world.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Santa_Maria_in_Trastevere\"><\/span>Santa Maria in Trastevere<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>No list of jaw-dropping churches in Rome is complete without Santa Maria in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/where-to-stay-in-rome\">Trastevere<\/a>. Not only is it\u00a0one of the oldest churches in Rome, supposedly built around 350 AD, it is also one of the most impressive.<\/p>\n<p>This 4th-century church was likely the first church in Rome where Mass was openly celebrated and is also said to be Rome\u2019s first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was rebuilt by Pope Innocent II, native of Trastevere, in the 12<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century and today it boasts impressive mosaics from the 12<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0and 13<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0centuries.<\/p>\n<p>Two rows of 22 large columns lead up to the nave, most of which were repurposed (or stolen) from ancient Roman temples or baths, and the altar is covered in gilded mosaics. Don\u2019t forget to look up to admire Domenichino\u2019s gilded ceiling, completed in 1617. If you\u2019re a lover of mosaics, don\u2019t miss our list of where to see the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/byzantine-mosaic-art-in-ravenna-and-italy\">best Byzantine mosaics in Italy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15429\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15429\" class=\"wp-image-15429 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/santa-maria-in-trastevere-2318595_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Behind the altar, Basilica of Santa Maria\" width=\"1280\" height=\"985\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15429\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Behind the altar, Basilica of Santa Maria<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Santa_Maria_Sopra_Minerva\"><\/span>Santa Maria Sopra Minerva<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Santa Maria Sopra Minerva gained its name from the site it was built upon &#8211; over (<em>sopra)\u00a0<\/em>the ruins of a temple for Minerva, the ancient goddess of wisdom. Actually, the present-day Basilica sits over the ruins of three ancient Roman temples: one for the Roman goddess Minerva, one for the Egyptian goddess Isis and one for the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis, according to the Basilica\u2019s\u00a0website.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15436\" style=\"width: 1164px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15436\" class=\"wp-image-15436 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Santa-Maria-Sopra-Minerva.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is the first, and possibly the only, Gothic church existing in Rome.\" width=\"1154\" height=\"649\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15436\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Santa Maria sopra Minerva is the first, and possibly the only, Gothic church existing in Rome.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>But the location isn\u2019t what makes it one of the best churches in Rome for pilgrims, it\u2019s the architecture. Built by the Dominicans in the 13<sup>th<\/sup> century, it is one of Rome\u2019s few Gothic (as opposed to Baroque-style) churches, and one of the most impressive Gothic\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/churches-in-italy\">churches in Italy,<\/a> along with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/milan\/milan-duomo-facts\">Milan Duomo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy the deepest blue vaulted ceilings or illuminate the Cappella Carafa, where Filippino Lippi\u2019s frescoes are located among other 15<sup>th<\/sup>-century frescoes.\u00a0You can also see a sculpture by Michelangelo and the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena, Italy\u2019s primary patron saint.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basilica_of_Santa_Maria_del_Popolo\"><\/span>Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Travelers to Rome might overlook this inconspicuous church in the large Piazza del Popolo, but the inside is a treasure trove for art lovers. The church has seven chapels, each of which contain some of the best examples of works by Renaissance artists, including <strong>Pinturicchio, Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15438\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15438\" class=\"wp-image-15438 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Basilica-of-Santa-Maria-del-Popolo.jpg\" alt=\"Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo\" width=\"1280\" height=\"905\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15438\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Altar, Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Legend has it that the church was built in 1099 to dispel residents\u2019 beliefs that the ghost of Emperor Nero was haunting the area.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Basilica_of_San_Clemente\"><\/span>The Basilica of San Clemente<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>St. Clement\u2019s Basilica is located just a few blocks away from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/the-colosseum-symbol-of-rome\">Colosseum<\/a>\u00a0and named after St. Clement, Catholicism\u2019s third pope. It\u2019s real draw, however, is archeological.<\/p>\n<p>The 12<sup>th<\/sup>-century Basilica is built on top of a 4<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century church, which in turn was built on top of a 1<sup>st<\/sup>\u00a0century pagan temple \u2013 all three of which you can visit today.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s history directly shows that Rome was built layer after layer: the difference between the 1<sup>st<\/sup>\u00a0century ground level and today\u2019s ground level\u00a0is nearly\u00a060 feet!<\/p>\n<p>Check out the church\u2019s fabulous frescoes and mosaics on the top floor, such as the glittering 12th-century mosaic in the apse showing Jesus on a cross that turns into a living tree.<\/p>\n<p>Then\u00a0head below to tour the mithraeum, a shrine dedicated to the god Mithras, whose cult came from Persia to Rome in the 2nd and 3rd centuries before it was stamped out by Roman christians. Today it\u2019s one of Rome\u2019s greatest hidden underground sites.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like an expert guided tour of underground sites, take walks to explore the incredible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\">crypts and catacombs in Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15439\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15439\" class=\"wp-image-15439 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Mithraeum-the-Basilica-of-San-Clemente.jpeg\" alt=\"Mithraeum, the Basilica of San Clemente\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15439\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mithraeum, the Basilica of San Clemente<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Santa_Cecilia_in_Trastevere\"><\/span>Santa Cecilia in Trastevere<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>St. Cecilia in Trastevere is a 9<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century church built over the 200 AD home of St. Cecilia before she was martyred. Below the main altar is a sculpture by Stefano Maderno of the saint\u2019s body as he saw it in the 16<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century after she was exhumed.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s said that her body looked as fresh as the day she was buried. The entrance to the church is slightly hidden by a fa\u00e7ade and a beautiful Roman courtyard.<\/p>\n<p>A 9<sup>th<\/sup>-century mosaic as well as a remarkable 13<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century fresco titled\u00a0<strong><em>Last Judgement\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>by Pietro Cavallini, a forerunner of Giotto, decorate the inside.<\/p>\n<p>The fresco can be viewed only during limited hours and for a small admission fee \u2013 but it\u2019s definitely worth it, especially for anyone on a Roman pilgrimage.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15441\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15441\" class=\"wp-image-15441 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/The-Last-Judgement-by-Pietro-Cavallini.jpg\" alt=\"The Last Judgement by Pietro Cavallini\" width=\"1024\" height=\"701\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15441\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Last Judgement by Pietro Cavallini<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basilica_di_SantAgostino\"><\/span><strong>Basilica di Sant\u2019Agostino<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A Roman Renaissance church, St. Augustine is filled with famous artwork that makes it one of the best of the lesser-known (among travelers) churches in Rome.<\/p>\n<p>Most notable is Caravaggio\u2019s\u00a0<strong><em>Madonna of the Pilgrims<\/em><\/strong>, a scandalous painting at its time for the realistic kneeling pilgrim with dirty feet and a seemingly disrespectful image of the Madonna standing with bare feet with a less-than-regal posture.<\/p>\n<p>There is also Raphael\u2019s\u00a0<strong><em>Isaiah<\/em><\/strong>, said to be inspired by Michelangelo\u2019s work in the Sistine Chapel; Sansovino\u2019s sculpture,\u00a0<strong><em>St. Anne and the Madonna with Child<\/em>,<\/strong> and the\u00a0<strong><em>Madonna and Child<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0by Jacopo Tatti, a student of Sansovino.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15442\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15442\" class=\"wp-image-15442 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Basilica-di-Sant\u2019Agostino.jpeg\" alt=\"Basilica di Sant\u2019Agostino\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15442\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Basilica di Sant\u2019Agostino<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Pantheon\"><\/span><strong>The Pantheon<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although the\u00a0Pantheon\u00a0was originally a pagan construction, it was turned into a Catholic church in the early 7<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century and is still used as a church today.<\/p>\n<p>Also known as \u201c<strong>Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs,<\/strong>\u201d it remains one of the best-preserved ancient buildings and best churches in Rome and its architecture is as unbelievable today as it must have been 14 centuries ago.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s dome is still the single largest, unreinforced concrete dome in the entire world, meaning this major tourist attraction has to make the list!<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Insider Tip: Read on for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/rome\/pantheon-facts\">6 Surprising Facts About the Pantheon in Rome<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_7624\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7624\" class=\"wp-image-7624 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/12262894413_6a1307e7ae_z.jpg\" alt=\"Pantheon | Photo by mrsjpvan2 (flickr)\" width=\"640\" height=\"508\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7624\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pantheon<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Must-See_Churches_in_Rome\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Must-See Churches in Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_churches_in_Rome_free_to_enter\"><\/span>Are churches in Rome free to enter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many churches in Rome are free to enter, especially smaller parish churches and major basilicas like St. Peter\u2019s Basilica. However, some areas inside\u2014such as cloisters, crypts, or museums\u2014may require a paid ticket. It\u2019s always worth checking in advance, particularly for popular sites where special sections are considered separate attractions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_need_tickets_or_reservations\"><\/span>Do you need tickets or reservations?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For most churches, no reservation is needed and you can simply walk in during opening hours. That said, extremely popular sites\u2014especially those within Vatican City or with restricted areas\u2014may require advance booking or timed entry. During peak travel seasons, arriving early can help you avoid queues.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_during_Mass\"><\/span>Can you visit during Mass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, but with some important etiquette. Visitors are usually allowed inside during Mass, but sightseeing should pause while the service is taking place. Photography is often discouraged, and it\u2019s important to remain quiet and respectful. If you\u2019d like to fully explore the church, it\u2019s best to return outside of service times so you can take your time without disruption.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_churches_contain_famous_artworks\"><\/span>Which churches contain famous artworks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Rome\u2019s churches double as world-class art galleries. You\u2019ll find masterpieces by Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi, breathtaking sculptures by Michelangelo in Santa Maria sopra Minerva, and stunning frescoes by Raphael in churches and Vatican spaces across the city. Even lesser-known churches often house incredible works, so it\u2019s worth stepping inside whenever you can.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/walks-pinterest-735-X-1500-14.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-8356\" src=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/walks-pinterest-735-X-1500-14-502x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's most impressive churches. Find out the other ones right here!\" width=\"502\" height=\"1024\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s easy for travelers to forget that Rome has over 900 churches, and many of them are frankly, incredible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":15438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[87,68,80,101,18,70],"ppma_author":[161],"class_list":["post-7613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-culture","tag-architecture","tag-art","tag-churches","tag-culture","tag-rome","tag-traditions"],"authors":[{"term_id":161,"user_id":40,"is_guest":0,"slug":"ginamussio","display_name":"Gina Mussio","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9497ce1b0417babd82886ad23b18998?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"Mussio","first_name":"Gina","job_title":"","description":"Gina is a Midwesterner living in Lombardy, Italy where she writes about Italian culture, travel and food. She is a bilingual primary school teacher by day, forever interested in developing cross-culture communication skills across languages. Gina loves touring Italy's beautiful and tiny borghi with her family and exploring Italy's culture through its culinary history."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7613"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7613"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25242,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7613\/revisions\/25242"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7613"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=7613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}