Rome is famous for its numerous worlds’ historic churches from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. The churches in Rome are excellent examples of architecture and art, with mosaics, paintings and frescoes, sculptures, and other works on display.
The majority of the churches in Rome are free to visit, which is helpful if you are arranging a minimal vacation. You can hire a tour guide when you go to a church to help you better understand its history, customs, and artwork.
You do not need to be Catholic to enjoy churches’ beautiful artwork and architecture. These stunning churches in Rome should be on your itinerary if you love art and architecture while visiting.
10 Historic Churches In Rome
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Basilica of San Clemente
- San Giovanni in Laterano
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Pantheon
- Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
- Santa Maria in Trastevere
- Santa Prassede
- Santa Pudenziana
Here are the ten historic churches in Rome that you must visit while you’re there. Discover the historic churches in Rome and which ones you should not miss.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
It is located in Vatican City and is an independent region within the city limits of Rome. St. Peter, the first pope, is believed to have been crucified where the basilica now stands. It serves as the Catholic Church’s headquarters.
The Basilica, one of the most well-known examples of Renaissance architecture in existence, was designed by the renowned artist Michelangelo.
Although there are many churches in Rome, Saint Basilica is one of the most famous churches in Italy and worldwide.
The basilica’s interior is equally stunning as its exterior and is home to the popes’ graves and a treasure trove of church artifacts. Moreover, the most magnificent church is among its countless works of art.
2. Basilica of San Clemente
San Clemente is only a few meters from the Colosseum. San Clemente Basilica is named after Saint Clement, the third Pope after Saint Peter.
Although one of the most iconic churches in Rome, this one gets fewer visitors than most.
The church is decorated with exquisite frescoes, mosaics, and marblework. Inside, the apse features original gold mosaics and stunning frescoed ceilings.
You can see the basilica’s remains and its well-preserved medieval mosaics by going down one floor. The Cloaca Maxima, a secret Mithraic worship site, a home, a pagan temple, and early Christian wall paintings are all there.
One of the churches in Rome that I highly recommend you visit is this one due to the church’s exclusivity and beauty.
3. San Giovanni in Laterano
Among the four major basilicas in Rome, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the oldest and most revered church in Rome.
It serves as both the pope’s and the archbishop of Rome’s cathedral and is devoted to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.
The Basilica di San Giovanni has many beautiful features. The majority of visitors come in part to see the Altar of the Holy Sacrament, where they can see the cedar table that is thought to have been used by Christ during the Last Supper.
Its appearance may not be as elaborate as those of other Roman churches. Yet, the inside is beautiful and lavishly furnished with columns, wall art, mosaics, and paintings.
As one of the oldest still-standing Christian churches in Rome, the church is a popular destination for Roman pilgrims.
4. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
One of the most significant Catholic churches in Rome and one that is devoted to the Virgin Mary is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
The church is home to an extraordinary collection of art and artifacts that showcase the Christian art civilization of Rome.
The church contains its Sistine Chapel, outside of which is the tomb of sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his family.
The basilica, where each stained glass window, column, and fresco has a religious history, is visited by pilgrims from every corner of the world.
Also Read: 10 Best Museums In Rome, Italy In 2023
5. Pantheon
It is one of the most significant churches in Rome that did not begin as a Catholic church. Instead, this most prominent structure in ancient Rome was a temple to Rome’s pagan religions.
It was founded around 118 AD and was originally a temple dedicated to the Roman gods. Early Christians converted the Pantheon into a church in the seventh century.
The tombs of Italy’s most famous kings and the country’s renowned artist, Raphael, are housed in this structure.
The architecture of the Pantheon attracts the most attention, mainly the dome supported by arches. Additionally, it provides a unique opportunity to get insight into the old world.
6. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
The Minerva represents the only Gothic church in Rome. Over a Roman temple that was probably devoted to Minerva, the church was constructed in the seventh century.
Inside the churches in Rome, you can discover frescoes and sculptures by some of the finest Renaissance and Baroque artists, like Michelangelo and Bernini.
In addition, there is a magnificent collection of medieval and Renaissance tombs of great saints, popes, artists, and significant persons.
The church is right near the Pantheon. So don’t forget to visit Santa Maria Sopra Minerva while visiting the Pantheon.
7. Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
One of the most spectacular churches in Rome is Santa Maria del Popolo, located at the northern end of the Piazza del Popolo.
In 1099, Santa Maria del Popolo was built. Back then, the basilica was founded on superstition. The spirit of Nero, the Roman Emperor, was commonly believed to haunt the area. In order to rid the area of ghosts, the basilica was constructed.
Works by several famous painters can be found in Santa Maria del Popolo, including Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, and Pinturicchio.
This majestic basilica should be on your itinerary as it is one of the most stunning churches to visit while in Rome.
8. Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of the oldest churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, was built around 350 AD. Located in a bustling square in the heart of Rome’s Trastevere area.
Your eye is immediately pulled to the altar as you enter the church. The large Christ and Mary statues dominate the gold apse behind it, which is composed entirely of tiny mosaic tiles. The stunning mosaics in a church are its main attraction.
The octagonal fountain in the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere perfectly reflects the magnificent façade perspective of the building’s exterior.
You won’t be disappointed if you go to the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Also Read: Top 15 Attractions In Rome, 2023
9. Santa Prassede
The most significant work of Byzantine art in Rome is found in the ancient church named Santa Prassede. This church is situated in Rome’s Esquilino area.
The church is known as “the Garden of Paradise” for its mosaics, which are so dazzling and beautiful that they eclipse all other attractions.
This basilica attracts art lovers due to its exceptional combination of granite columns, magnificent arches, stunning Middle Age golden mosaics, Byzantine and Baroque sculptures, and early Christian murals.
It is one of the most stunning churches in Rome. You can learn a lot about ancient history and traditions by visiting this historical church.
10. Santa Pudenziana
Santa Pudenziana was constructed in the fourth century and devoted to Saint Pudentiana, Praxedes’ sister and Pudens’ daughter. One of the national churches in Rome, it is connected to the Filipino community.
Three paintings by Bernardino Nacci, The Glory of Saint Pudentiana, Saint Novatus, and Saint Timothy, are exhibited on the wall behind the church’s high altar.
Visitors are fascinated by the interior artistry, ceilings, and mosaics of Santa Pudenziana. One of the most historically significant churches in Rome that you must visit.