It’s said there are over a thousand churches in Rome. Indeed, when visiting Rome you can’t swing a set of olive wood rosary beads without hitting a local parish church built over the ruins of an ancient temple, a basilica bell tower, or an imposing baroque facade adorned with saints and angels. The presence of the many churches in Rome, built in overlapping styles over the centuries, contributes to the unique feel of the city, which is undoubtedly more religious compared to other European capitals. Regardless of your faith, this guide will help you plan your visit to some of the most important and beautiful churches on your trip to Rome. I hope this blog can help you plan which of the in-numerous churches in Rome you should visit.

1. Basilica Santa Maria ad Martyres (better known as the Pantheon)

A good place to start exploring the many treasured churches of Rome is at one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, the Pantheon. The Pantheon has a fascinating history. Originally, it was built as a temple to the 12 Roman gods between 25-27 BC.  In 608 AD, Pope Boniface IV moved the bones of the city’s many Christian martyrs into the structure and reconsecrated the building as the church of St Mary of the Martyrs. The renowned Renaissance artist Raphael drew great inspiration from the building and is even buried in one of the side chapels of the church.

What naturally draws people’s attention to the Pantheon, in particular, is the church’s magnificent concrete dome. In the center of the dome is an open air oculus, exposing the sky and filling the somewhat dark church with natural light that streams in (and water when it rains). On Pentecost, people drop thousands of rose petals from the hole in the oculus.

Besides the ancient architectural genius, what truly makes the Pantheon stand out is the deep connection to history you feel when visiting the building, which is unique among the churches in Rome.

// NOTE: The pantheon requires tickets for visitors to enter. Tickets cost €15.  When getting tickets to the Pantheon, many sellers (including the official Pantheon website) will have ticket pickup located at the OhMyGuide – Roma Museum Store at Via dei Bergamaschi 49, Rome. This is around a 5-10 minute walk from  the Pantheon, so leave yourself plenty of time to pick up your tickets.

Pre Purchase your tickets to the Pantheon here.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am -7:00 pm

2. Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

After exploring the Pantheon, head over to the 17th century church dedicated to St Ignatius of Loyola, which is one of the greatest examples of baroque art, architecture, and fresco  within the city. St Ignatius founded the Jesuit order and is buried in the church. The Jesuits have had a remarkable impact on educational institutions throughout the world.

The church is best known for the ceiling fresco called the Apotheosis of St Ignatius. This breathtaking art uses quadratura, making the art and architecture appear to extend beyond the building’s physical boundaries.The ceiling shows angels with flowing cloaks, columns stretching into the clouds. It also depicts Christ and prophets receiving St Ignatius into heaven. I lost time marveling at the ceiling. A mirror in the church’s apse lets you photograph yourself with the expansive ceiling, appearing as if in heaven. Lacking funds for a dome, the Jesuits placed a realistic fresco above the altar that resembles a dome.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 11:30 pm

3. Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva

This church, like the Pantheon, began as a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. In the 8th century AD, Pope Zachary consecrated it in honor of the Virgin Mary, transforming it into a place of worship for a group of nuns from Constantinople. In contrast, the exterior features a newer, simple Baroque façade, the interior preserves one of the few surviving examples of Gothic architecture in Rome’s churches. adjacent to the alter is a marble statue, notably a beautiful sculpture by Michelangelo of the Risen Christ holding the cross.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am-1:00 pm, reopens 3:00 pm-7:00 pm

Note: The Pantheon, the church of St Ignatius of Loyola, and the church of St Mary of Minerva are all in close proximity, making them easy to visit in one day.

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4. Basillica Santi Quattro Coronati

Built in the 4th and 5th century AD, the Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati (the four holy crowned martyrs) was one of the most interesting churches I stumbled across along my walks in Rome. Walking up to the church was like approaching an impressive medieval fortress. It once was the residence of a wealthy cardinal. There is a large welcoming courtyard surrounded by high walls.  The main church is a stunning three-aisled basilica with colorful frescos above the altar and on the walls. A door in the left hand side of the church nave (center) leads to a well preserved cloistered garden. Before leaving the complex, don’t miss the Chapel of San Silvestro and its stunning medieval paintings.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am-1:00 pm, reopens 3:00 pm-7:00 pm

5. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

The basilica of St. John Lateran serves as the cathedral church of the diocese of Rome and the ecclesiastical seat of the bishop of Rome, who is also known to the world as the pope. It is the most important of the four major papal basilicas and as tradition holds it, the oldest church in Western europe. Surprisingly, this is the seat of the papacy and not St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Large marble columns and statues adorn the exterior. Stepping into the church felt like entering the waiting room of heaven. The church is very bright inside thanks to the large windows at the top of the basilica and endless white marble gracing the interior. Twelve large statues of the apostles furnish the main isle leading to an elaborate coveted altar called a ciborium. Leave yourself plenty of time to walk around the church and discover the treasures of the many side chapels, which house art and relics. This is one of my favorite churches in Rome.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs)

Right across the street from the basilica of St John Lateran is a unique shrine in Rome. St. Helena, the mother of Constantine, brought the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) from Jerusalem. Catholic tradition claims that Jesus walked up these 28 stairs on his way to be tried by Pontius Pilate. Pilgrims climb the stairs on their knees as an act of religious devotion.

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6. St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is probably the most famous church in Rome and the world. Along with being the most recognizable, it is also the biggest church on earth and boasts the tallest dome. As previously mentioned, St Peter’s Basilica is not the head of the papacy or the mother church of the Roman Catholic faith (both of which St John Lateran hold the title to). But because of its historical significance as the tomb of St Peter (the first pope) and its proximity to the pope’s residence, St Peter’s Basilica is often the site of important ceremonies and celebrations of the Catholic church.

Constantine the Great built the first basilica over St Peter’s tomb which remained until 1506.  Construction of the current basilica began under Pope Julius II and had many famous artists contribute to the church including Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Builders took materials for the new church from the Colosseum.

The church is breathtaking. Undoubtedly, the thing that struck me immediately upon entering the basilica is the amount of gold and other precious materials that adorn the walls, ceilings, and floor. It is a well known fact that a large portion of the budget to rebuild St Peter’s basilica were funded by indulgences. There are many amazing works of art inside the church. One of the most beautiful statues is the La Pietà by Michelangelo. It is an incredible sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus after his crucifixion. It’s now protected by a thin protective layer of bullet-proof glass.

Dress Code at the Vatican and Churches in Rome

It’s also important to note that visitors should dress appropriately and modestly  when visiting the basilica (and in all churches in the city). Additionally, women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should cover their knees when inside. Individuals who do not come appropriately dressed will receive garments to cover up that are less than flattering.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am-7:00 pm

7. Santa Maria della Vittoria

While the church of Santa Maria Della Vittoria has a charming baroque exterior, the church doesn’t appear out of the ordinary among the other countless parish churches that dot Rome’s skyline. Remarkably most visitors to the church come to see one statue, Bernini’s masterpiece known as the Ecstasy of St Theresa. Tucked in a nook of a column adorned side chapel adjacent to the altar,  the Ecstasy of St Theresa is a masterpiece of the High Baroque period and the Counter Reformation.

Bernini portrayed St. Teresa of Avila barefoot, with flowing robes, as an angel pierces her with a golden arrow. This scene illustrates a vision described by the Spanish Carmelite nun, where she felt overwhelmed by the spirit of God. People in the day found it scandalous that Bernini portrayed the saint in this way, with some people saying it closely resembled a sexual ecstasy. Despite criticism, the sculpture amazes with its detailed craftsmanship and is well worth a visit to the church.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am-12:00 pm and opening again from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm

8. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica church of Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) is the main and most important houses of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the churches in Rome. Along with St Peter’s Basilica and St John Lateran, it is one of the 4 major papal basilicas of Rome. When visiting the church I couldn’t help but marvel at how large the church is. Highlights of the church include the baptistry, the golden domed side chapel, and the altar with a mesmerizing mosaic of Christ crowning Mary as the queen of heaven.

Salus Populi Romani – Salvation of the Roman People

A famous icon of the Virgin Mary, known as the Salus Populi Romani (literally “salvation of the Roman people”), stands as one of the most important images of Mary in all of Rome. Residents of Rome have venerated the painting for years as their protectoress, and tourists and pilgrims flock to it seeking Mary’s intercession. Tradition claims that Luke the Apostle painted it. When I visited the church, I saw several masses taking place in various chapels. Priests conduct services in multiple languages.

 Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am-7:00 pm

9. Santa Maria in Cosmedin

Well worth a visit along a walk down the Tiber or a trek to the Colosseum, St Mary in Cosmedin is a unique church in Rome. Historically, the church was once the center of a strong commercial area starting from the 8th century. Furthermore, the neighbhood is renowned renowned for housing many Greek immigrants from the Eastern Mediterranean. Cosmiden derives from the Greek word “kosmidion “ meaning beautifully decorated.

Greek Catholicism – The Only Melkite Churches in Rome

Santa Maria in Cosmedin still serves as a Melkite Greek Catholic church, celebrating an Eastern-style liturgy similar to the Orthodox Church. The church’s interior features a narrow nave, with ancient columns repurposed from nearby temples lining its sides. You can still see some of the earliest frescos along with Byzantine style icons illuminated by candlelight. Additionally, there is an interesting crypt beneath the church that is worth visiting.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 am – 5:50 pm

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10. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

One of the oldest churches in Rome, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has a special feel. You’ll find the church in Rome’s authentic and local Trastevere neighborhood, where a welcoming square with a fountain greets you. Once inside, the church shines with glittering gold mosaics and features a 12th-century bell tower. There are many impressive pieces of art to visit in the church. The gilded geometric gold ceiling that was the most impressive I saw in Rome.  All in all, this church is definitely worth visiting when exploring Trastevere.

// While visiting the Basilica of St. Maria in Trastevere, I also visited the nearby baroque church of St. Cecilia. Similarly, it showcases more of the unique church architecture of the Trastevere neighborhood, which has a very distinctive style.

The Sistine Chapel

No visit to Rome would be complete without gazing at the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and is a symbol of human creativity and spirituality. The most iconic image is the Creation of Adam, depicting God giving life to humanity. The Last Judgment fresco above the altar is also very extraordinary. The chapel has many prophets and saints depicted among the history of salvation.

The Sistine Chapel belongs to the the Vatican Museums, so you need an entrance ticket to visit. You can purchase your tickets to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums can be purchased here.

You can snap a few shots, but the guards will remind you that pictures aren’t allowed.

Hours: Monday- Saturday 8:00 am-8:00 pm. Last Sunday of the month 9:00 am – 2:00 pm free admission (with last entrance at 12:30 pm).