Rome is indeed monstrously old. Ancient catacombs, ancient temples, grottoes, a network of narrow streets, inconspicuous buildings of the richest churches – all this creates an indescribable atmosphere. And the religious world of Rome is a separate universe with its own laws and traditions. The churches of Rome are so diverse and colorful that you involuntarily begin to doubt which of them you need to see first.

St. Peter's Basilica

The modern St. Peter's Basilica is an iconic landmark in Rome. If all roads lead somewhere, it is to this monumental building, which is a real embodiment of history in stone. Thousands of people at different times worked on its design, carried out reconstruction work. This figure is not an exaggeration – the history of this place began in the fourth century, when a small and rather modestly designed basilica began to be built over the tomb of St. Peter.

By the beginning of the sixteenth century, for some not entirely obvious reason, the Pope initiated the rebuilding of the basilica. Soon, the now St. Peter's Cathedral appeared – a grandiose building that symbolizes the power of the pontiff and is the earthly stronghold of the Catholic world. The cathedral is open to the public from 7:00 to 19:00. Free admission. You will have to pay extra for the opportunity to climb the Michelangelo dome – the minimum ticket price is 6 EUR.

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St. Peter's Basilica with dome climb and crypt visit

San Giovanni in Lateranno

The Lateran Basilica is at the highest level among all the religious buildings of Rome, surpassing in status such ancient and undeniably revered monuments as St. Peter's Basilica. In the archbasilica is the throne of the pontiff. This is where the first Christian church in Rome once stood. Later – already by the ninth century – the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist appeared on the Lateran Hill, which for some time retained the status of the only papal temple.

The real dawn came for the Lateran Basilica, when Borromini undertook its reconstruction, giving the archbasilica bright baroque features. At the same time, huge bronze doors were transported from the Roman Forum itself to be installed at the main portal. The Basilica of San Giovanni impresses with the richness of frescoes and mosaics made in the classical Byzantine style. Carved ceilings, decorated with stucco columns, sculptures of the apostles, ancient religious artifacts made of silver and precious stones – the basilica justifies the inscription above the main entrance: “the mother of all churches in Rome and the world.”

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica of St. Mary is impossible not to notice, as it is the largest church in the Catholic capital, as its name unobtrusively reminds: “major” – large. Yes, and in front of the entrance is a fifteen-meter statue of the Virgin Mary, cast in bronze. It's hard to accidentally pass by. In addition, despite the fact that the date of foundation of the church refers us to the fourth century AD, this church is almost the only one in Rome that has almost completely preserved its authentic appearance. A legend about the Mother of God is connected with its foundation, who ordered to build a temple on the spot where the snow would fall.

The snow fell, and the church began to be called the Church of the Mother of God in the Snows, but this action took place in August. The mosaic of the thirteenth century is dedicated to this story with amazing skill. The richest ceiling paintings, medieval mosaics and magnificent examples of mosaic art, preserved from the time of the construction of the church, tell about the life of Christ, convey Old Testament stories. The church consists of three chapels, the most famous of which is the Sistine chapel, so that both fans of cultural shrines and those wishing to touch the holy relics are guaranteed to be satisfied with a visit here.

San Pietro in Vincoli

The basilica is also known as the basilica of St. Peter in chains, that is, in chains. It is noteworthy that this artifact, which is an important religious shrine, is kept in a modern basilica. “Honest chains” were here thanks to Eudoxia, the Byzantine queen, who at one time presented them as a gift to the pontiff. She also founded the temple in Rome, which today we call San Pietro in Vincoli.

The basilica is included in the list of the seven largest buildings of this type in Rome and has been one of the centers of pilgrimage for many centuries. Its facade looks completely unremarkable, however, this is not surprising. External modesty distinguishes most of the buildings of the fourth century. But most tourists come here not for the sake of sacred relics, but to see with their own eyes the stunning tomb of Julius II by Michelangelo with a sculptural composition of forty figures and the undoubtedly brilliant sculpture “Moses” by the same master.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

This building, made of light stone, is one of the main temples of the Dominican order. It was transferred to the order in the eighth century. Then, on the site of the modern basilica, there was a rotunda, named after Minerva, after the name of the ancient temple of the same name, which was located nearby. It was here that at one time Galileo and Count Cagliostro “voluntarily” renounced their views. Not to recognize Santa Maria sopra Minerva is quite difficult.

This is perhaps the only temple in Rome, made in the Gothic style with lancet arches and sky-blue vaults, skillfully painted with stars. Unfortunately, medieval Gothic has not come down to us in its pure form – in the guise of a basilica, baroque elements, traditional for Florentine masters and Rome, are still visible. The main value of the temple is still the statue of Christ with a cross, which is attributed to the works of Michelangelo. It is sustained in the spirit of Antiquity and demonstrates the moment of the resurrection of Christ.

Santa Maria del Popolo

A fairly large building, decorated in gray and blue tones, few people are forced to hold their eyes on themselves, only real treasures are hidden behind such an unremarkable shell. According to legend, there was once a tomb of Nero on the site of the basilica, over which a poplar tree gradually grew, quickly chosen by ravens. This place was already considered cursed, and the appearance of a bony tree and black birds made the picture even less attractive. Everything changed at the end of the eleventh century when the Pope had a dream. The Virgin Mary ordered to destroy the poplar and build a temple in its place.

First came the chapel, and then the basilica itself. You can talk about the interior of this place for hours – many geniuses of their era left their masterpieces here. So, at different times, Giovanni Bernini, who gave the building a baroque look, worked on the design of the chapels, Rafael Santi, who decorated the dome with a large-scale and in terms of scope and in terms of design, the Creation of the World mosaic, Caravaggio, an Italian master who gave this place two whole his paintings, and Pinturicchio, although tourists will not be able to see the work of the latter. The chapel, which he designed, was badly damaged and was already reconstructed by Bernini.

Church of San Clemente

To the east of the Colosseum is a small church, but under the low arches lies a real storehouse of Christian shrines, dating back to the time of Emperor Nero. Oddly enough, in this basilica you can even bow to Orthodox saints, in particular the relics of Cyril, who created the Slavic alphabet. The tomb of St. Clement, one of the most important components of the basilica, is located on the lower level. Local mosaics are of interest. In modern terms, they are more like comics, moreover, many of the inscriptions are made in a far from high style.

This allows linguists to speak of the existence of an early Italian language. Under the relatively new premises of the Middle Ages in the twentieth century, the ruins of an early Christian temple were discovered. Of particular interest is the temple of Mithras, which dates back to the third century. Now a grotto has been preserved from it, in which benches and an altar made of stone stand under the vaulted ceiling. But archaeologists did not stop there either – under the grotto were the remains of civilian premises destroyed during the time of Nero.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The church has a laconic, strict design, located on the left bank of the Tiber. Until the fourth century, the Bull Forum was located on the site of the church, and even earlier, an ancient temple built in honor of Hercules. The first building served civil needs – it acted as a food distribution point for the poor, but gradually all charitable funds were concentrated in the hands of the Papal Throne, and by the seventh century the complex itself became the property of the Greek community, which fled to Rome when Byzantium fell.

Even in the sovereign name of the church, an echo of those times is felt: “kosmidion” – from the Greek “beautiful”. This characteristic was not accidental – the interior of the temple is really amazing. Cosmati floors, an authentic Gothic red granite altarpiece, an Easter candelabrum preserved from the thirteenth century, fragments of the Baptism of the Lord mosaic (the rest are kept in St. Peter's Basilica and in the Uffizi Gallery in sunny Florence) – all this can be seen in the chapels.

The bell tower, one of the tallest in Rome, is extremely openwork and decorated with multi-colored majolica. A somewhat unusual symbol of the church is the “Mouth of Truth” – a marble slab reaching almost two meters in diameter. The exact application of this echo of Antiquity is still not entirely clear, but the Triton mask that adorns it definitely arouses the interest of tourists.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Oddly enough, but this basilica – due to a number of historical circumstances – has become one of the most popular basilicas among the Orthodox population. Two Orthodox icons were even installed at her altar, but it should be understood that the history of the creation of the church itself is in no way connected with Orthodoxy. It is important to understand that Santa Maria in Trastevere is considered to be perhaps the first Christian basilica officially allowed in Rome. The modern building was mostly erected in the twelfth century.

The main building material was travertine blocks, which were taken from ancient thermae. At the time, this practice was commonplace. The facade is decorated with the image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus in her arms. The fresco is from the thirteenth century. The interior space – with high ceilings, stucco and gilding – is “bordered” with mosaics in the cosmatesco style.

Church of Santa Sabina

The basilica is located on the Aventine hill and is part of the monastery complex of the Dominican order. It was erected on the remains of the matron Sabina, revered in Rome. By the tenth century, local authorities appreciated all the advantages of the location of the basilica and turned it into a fortification. However, this state of affairs did not last long – soon the church building began to pass from the hands of one noble Roman family into the hands of another.

A series of rebuildings was interrupted only by the middle of the twentieth century, when the Dominican order wished to return the basilica to its authentic appearance. So, she was able to preserve all the characteristic features of the ancient Roman structure. If you find yourself in the church of Santa Sabina, be sure to go into the courtyard, where an old orange tree grows. According to legend, this tree was the first orange tree grown in Italy.

San Paolo-Fuori-le-Mura

This basilica is one of the four so-called patriarchal basilicas in Rome. It is located outside the city walls at the place where, according to legend, the Apostle Paul was buried. However, recently the sarcophagus of the mentioned apostle was indeed found. The first version of the basilica seemed to Theodosius I not majestic enough for such a significant place for the entire religious world.

A large-scale construction began, which laid the foundation for the construction of a modern church. The building that can be seen today has a classic look. The façade is decorated quite strictly and is decorated with the figure of Christ, on both hands of which are the apostles: Peter and Paul. In the design there are echoes of the Byzantine style, as well as Gothic and Baroque architecture. The basilica is especially proud of its ancient organ, the last reconstruction of which took place in the twentieth century.

Sant'Andrea al Quirinale

This church is another outstanding project by Bernini, commissioned by the Jesuit order on the Quirinal Hill. The order needed premises for the novitiate, that is, the period of novitiate, the institution of which was introduced in the sixteenth century. Once on the site of Sant'Andrea al Quirinale there was an old church, whose building is too dilapidated. Only one foundation remained – a powerful foundation, on which a new baroque basilica was built for ten years.

Bernini himself considered it one of his best creations and could sit inside for hours, enjoying the realization that this work of architectural thought belongs to his authorship. The inner space of the church is very contrasting – the dark side panels favorably set off the beautifully lit central part of the room. The dominant feature of the interior is the painting “The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew” by Guillaume Courtois.

Church of Saint Praxeda

This monument of architecture of the ninth century does not stand out too much against the general background of Roman streets. The almost bare façade contrasts strongly with the splendor and luxury of interior decoration. It is here that the titular church is located, which is known for the most part for the beauty of ancient frescoes and the presence of a large number of remains of saints and great martyrs. It is named after Saint Praxeda and is located on the site of the former baptistery dedicated to the same saint.

The life of this woman has come down to us in retellings and legends, but she became famous mainly due to the fact that, according to the canons of the Christian rite, the martyrs immured in the Roman catacombs were buried. Today, the crypt contains more than two thousand remains of saints. Their names are engraved on marble slabs.

San Lorenzo Fuori Moore

This church, which is unusual from an architectural and historical point of view, is located outside the city walls, since earlier Christian churches were erected on the burial sites of martyrs, who – as required by the canons – gave their lives for the faith. And they were buried according to the old Roman customs outside the city walls. The design of the church is more than original: in fact, it is a series of independent churches that were simply connected.

Until the Second World War, the church of Pope Pegalius and the church of Pope Honorius were clearly visible in its appearance, but one enemy shell destroyed this amazing symbiosis. Most of the valuable frescoes have perished, only marble frescoes and a few early Christian sarcophagi have survived. Also, the old part of the church, dating from the sixth century, was not actually affected. Other rooms had to be reconstructed.

Church of Santa Constanta

The first versions of the temple date back to the third century AD. Its construction is associated with the name of Constantine the Great, who decided to build a mausoleum for his daughters. Construction began immediately, and very soon a neat light building with ornaments, mosaics with images of Jesus Christ and a fine painting of the dome grew up near the Nomentara road. True, the mausoleum gradually began to turn into a basilica: first, a font appeared for the rite of baptism, and then other attributes of the church. This is how we see it today.

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