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Picking Rome’s ten best churches was quite a tall order. The city is dotted with extraordinary churches from all corners, over 900 of them, that narrowing this list down to TEN ended up being unexpectedly arduous.
Equipped with no other metric except how persisting the impressions these churches had in me personally, this tally is purely subjective and solely based on my opinion.
Moreover, I am not at all religious so my selections were primarily influenced by the astonishing pieces of art inhabiting these sanctuaries more than their religious significance.
In this blog post, I count down my personal TOP TEN list of the most iconic, must-visit churches in Rome for magnificent art.
- THE TOP 10 BEST CHURCHES TO SEE AMAZING ART IN ROME
- 1. ST. PETER’S BASILICA
- 2. SAN LUIGI DEI FRANCESI
- 3. BASILICA DI SAN CLEMENTE
- 4. SANTA MARIA DEL POPOLO
- 5. SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
- 6. SANTA MARIA SOPRA MINERVA
- 7. SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI (ST. PETER IN CHAINS)
- 8. BASILICA DI SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO
- 9. SANTA MARIA IN TRASTEVERE
- 10. SANTA MARIA DELA VITTORIA
- WALKING TOUR
All of these CHURCHES are FREE to enter except for the Dome Climb at St. Peter’s & the journey down at San Clemente. Also, dress modestly.
The Top 10 Best Churches To See Amazing Art In Rome
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
METRO: OTTAVIANO
This enormous house of worship requires no introduction. This is the grandest church on the planet. Its dome, designed by Michelangelo, is a prominent feature in Rome’s skyline.
This was the purported site of St. Peter’s martyrdom and crucifixion. His tomb is allegedly situated below the altar of the basilica.
Incredibly popular particularly during holidays and summer, visiting here requires some sacrifice and patience so arriving as early as you can is recommended.
Alternatively, timing your visit a few hours before closing time can prove rewarding as well, particularly when you plan to climb all the way up to the dome just in time for sunset. This is commonly called the golden hour, that magical moment when Rome is basked in an enigmatic glow.
It is also possible to schedule your visit to see the Pope. If he is in town, he will give out blessings during an event called “the Papal Audiences” held every Wednesday.
Here’s your must-see checklist:
- Michelangelo’s Pieta located behind a bullet-proof glass to avoid any attacks similar to what happened back in 1972 when a man broke Mary’s nose and arm.
- Michelangelo’s Dome
- Bernini’s Canopy in the altar
- Pope John Paul II’s tomb in the Vatican Grottoes
- Crucified upside down because he did not think he deserved to die the same way as Jesus Christ, St. Peter died here and his tomb is supposedly located underground in the Vatican Necropolis. It can only be accessed via a private tour.
- Being the largest church in Christendom, look for lines on the floor to show where other churches would fit if placed in St. Peter’s.
DOWNLOAD RICK STEVES’ FREE AUDIO TOUR OF SAINT PETER’S BASILICA HERE (APPLE)
DOWNLOAD RICK STEVES’ FREE EUROPE AUDIO APP (GOOGLE)
Dome Climb
One of Rome’s most magnificent views can be captured from the dome of St. Peter’s. For a small fee, you can either take the stairs or the elevator to the rooftop. Check opening hours.
If you wish (and I strongly recommend that you do), you can continue on with the final ascent of about 320 heart-pounding steps all the way to the very top of the dome for the ultimate Roman vista.
No pain, no gain. The cardio will be all worth it.
St. Peter’s Square
Once you are done touring St. Peter’s, step outside and circle around St. Peter’s Square – one of the grandest piazzas in Roma.
Soak in the magnitude of the Vatican. Despite the Vatican’s diminutive size, this square evokes the complete opposite – overarching religious power.
The pope’s residence and the Sistine Chapel are visible from here. If smoke is coming out of the chapel’s chimney, you’re in luck. That means they just elected a new pope during your visit.
2. San Luigi Dei Francesi
LOCATION: Between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon so peek in while connecting these two sites. A link to a free walking tour will come later in this post.
Can be combined with Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (#6)
I’ve been to this church so many times that visiting this church almost feels like a mandatory pilgrimage to me whenever I am in the Eternal City.
This special place was unforgettable because this was where I initially got introduced to Caravaggio. Instantaneously, I got converted into one of his avid fans.
Full disclosure, I did not know who Caravaggio was until I got awe-struck by his paintings in this very church and I’ve religiously chased his art ever since.
Upon entering, proceed straight to the Contarelli chapel located at the front left corner of the altar to be blown away by a trio of his most breathtaking masterpieces.
I’d bring a euro or two as you would need it to activate the lights in the chapel.
Checklist:
- Caravaggio’s Calling of Saint Matthew (left wall) – considered to be his ultimate masterpiece
- Caravaggio’s Inspiration of Saint Matthew (center)
- Caravaggio’s Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (right wall)
- An opportunity to immerse in Caravaggio’s haunting style called “chiaroscuro” (the use of strong contrasts of light and shade).
WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT THE CALLING OF SAINT MATTHEW BEFORE YOUR VISIT
3. Basilica Di San Clemente
METRO: COLOSSEO
Can be combined with San Giovanni De Laterano (#8)
A truly unique archaeological experience, Basilica Di San Clemente offers the opportunity to track down Rome’s ancient history by literally going down deep below the ground.
Be prepared to be stunned by layers after layers of evidence of Rome’s antiquity by physically descending back in time.
Street Level | 12th-century Basilica Superiore |
One Level Down | 4th-century Basilica Inferiore |
Two Levels Down | 1st Century Roman House 2nd Century Temple to Mithras |
Three Levels Down | Subterranean River (can not be accessed) |
Checklist:
- The opportunity to go down layers below Ancient Rome
- 12th-century mosaic in the apse of Christ evolving into a tree
- 15th-century frescoes by Masolino in the Cappella di Santa Caterina
MORE IN-DEPTH HISTORY OF THIS BASILICA CAN BE READ HERE
4. Santa Maria Del Popolo
METRO: FLAMINIO
It might be tempting to bypass this church because it is virtually unnoticeable in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Piazza Del Popolo but I recommend that you do not succumb to that temptation.
This non-descript church with a subdued Baroque facade designed by Bernini houses a host of masterpieces including a chapel built by Raphael and two of Caravaggio’s extraordinary paintings.
Checklist:
- Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of Saint Peter
- Caravaggio’s Conversion of Saint Paul on the Road to Damascus
- Bernini sculptures
- Raphael’s Chigi Chapel
- Bring a euro or two to illuminate the Cerasi chapel where the Caravaggio paintings are located.
Piazza Del Popolo
Once done touring Santa Maria Del Popolo, step outside to relax at another glorious piazza – Piazza Del Popolo.
This piazza was previously the main northern entrance to Ancient Rome. Everyone had to enter the city through this historic square back in the olden days and this historic piazza was usually the first site that welcomed pilgrims (or tourists) when they traveled to the Eternal City.
Today, it’s still a hectic gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike – perfect for people-watching!
Pincio Hill
Do not miss one of the most captivating hills in Rome located just next to Santa Maria Del Popolo. The photo below was taken at the Pincio Terrace on Pincio Hill, adjacent to the Borghese Gardens.
Climb up the stairs until you reach the romantic terrace.
Sunsets are magical here with sprawling views of Rome’s domes as far as the eyes can see and Piazza del Popolo adorned by its signature Egyptian obelisk.
5. Santa Maria Maggiore
METRO: TERMINI
One of Rome’s four papal basilicas, it is located in one of the city’s famous seven hills – Esquiline hill.
It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and also boasts Rome’s tallest campanile (bell tower). It is also one of Rome’s oldest churches.
Papal basilicas are considered high-ranking churches and are essential stops for pilgrims. The other 3 papal churches are St. Peter’s Basilica (#1), San Giovanni Laterano (#8), and San Paolo Fuori le Mura.
Overflowing with art, the showstopper here is the staggering 5th-century mosaics in the church’s triumphal arch hovering above the main altar. Equally magnificent mosaics featuring Old Testament tales accentuate the nave.
If you are in town on August 5th, this church is host to a special event commemorating a mysterious snowfall that occurred in the summer of 358 at the exact spot where this church is built.
It is aptly called the Miracle of Snow and is currently celebrated with a shower of white petals coming out of the church’s ceiling.
Checklist:
- Awe-inspiring mosaics in the triumphal arch
- Spectacular mosaics encircling the nave
- Bernini’s final resting place
Santa Prassede
If you are not mosaic’d out yet, a few meters away from Santa Maria Maggiore is this tiny church that amazingly packs a heavy punch and is guaranteed to cause even the most discerning mosaic lover drool.
Incredibly well-preserved mosaics intricately surround this gorgeous sanctuary that almost rivals the Byzantine churches in Ravenna, Italy, or Istanbul, Turkey.
If you have the extra time and the slightest fascination with mosaics, this is a brilliant addition to your church itinerary in Rome.
6. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
LOCATED BEHIND THE PANTHEON
Santa Maria Sopra De Minerva is an unusual structure in that it is one of the only few Gothic churches in Rome.
Predominantly populated with Baroque and Renaissance churches, Rome is incredibly blessed to have this impressive architectural treasure in its midst.
Aside from its heavenly blue ceiling, Sopra De Minerva also provides sanctuary to a transcendent Michelangelo sculpture named “Statua Del Redentore”.
Checklist:
- Rome’s only Gothic church. Check out the arched vaulted ceiling
- Michaelangelo’s Statue of Christ “Statua Del Redentore”
- Bernini’s famous elephant statue in the piazza facing the church
- The tomb of St. Catherine of Siena, Italy’s primary patron saint
7. San Pietro In Vincoli (St. Peters In Chains)
METRO: CAVOUR
Located in MONTI, one of my favorite districts for “passeggiata“. Also walking distance from the Colosseum.
A required stop for even the most casual Michelangelo fan, this church contains one of the artist’s most enthralling sculptures – the statue of Moses with its famous horns. Even Michelangelo considers this as one of his greatest creations.
Beneath the altar is one of the church’s major draws – the chains that bounded St. Peter’s while he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. This ended up in Rome when it was given as a gift to Pope Leo I.
Checklist:
- Michelangelo’s sculpture of Moses (one of the world’s most famous statues)
- Skeleton tombs on the left side of the church
- The chains used on St. Peter during one of his imprisonments (located under the altar)
8. Basilica Di San Giovanni In Laterano
METRO: SAN GIOVANNI
Built by Constantine 10 years before St. Peter’s Basilica broke ground, this is the cathedral church of Rome and the official seat of the Pope making it holier and more important than St. Peter’s.
Checklist:
- Remnants of Giotto frescoes on the first pillar to the right
- Bronze door taken from the Curia at the Roman Forum
- The door on the far right is the “Holy Door” that is only opened during Jubilee years
- 15th-century mosaics on the floor and mosaics on the apse
- The Gothic tabernacle supposedly containing the heads of St. Peter and Stl Paul
- Altar of the Holy Sacrament that contains the remains of the cedar table used by Christ during the Last Supper
Palace of the Holy Steps (Scala Sancta)
This is one of the holiest places in Christendom, located just across the street from the Basilica Di San Giovanni. It houses the staircase Jesus used to enter the palace of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem during his trial.
On top of the stairs is the Holy of Holies, which used to be the Pope’s private chapel. Ascend the stairs by walking on your knees and be mesmerized by its glorious frescoes.
According to tradition, Constantine’s mother, Helen, brought the steps from Jerusalem to Rome in 326, and they’ve been in this location since 1589. Today pilgrims from the world over come to climb the steps on their knees.
You cannot ascend the steps on foot, instead you have to go on your knees and climb the steps on your knees to the altar at the top.
rometoolkit.com
9. Santa Maria In Trastevere
LOCATED IN AMAZING TRASTEVERE
This is one of Rome’s oldest churches and the piazza facing this church is a neighborhood hotspot where locals usually congregate. The octagonal fountain in the piazza is Trastevere’s focal point.
Inside, check out the asymmetrical columns. These were taken from many of Rome’s ancient buildings that is why they are not identical to each other.
DOWNLOAD RICK STEVES’ FREE AUDIO TOUR OF TRASTEVERE HERE (APPLE)
Checklist:
- 12th-century mosaics
- Colorful Frescoes
- Asymmetrical Columns
- Cosmatic mosaic floors from the 13th-century
- The romanesque brick bell tower
- Piazza with the octagonal fountain right outside
10. Santa Maria Dela Vittoria
METRO: TERMINI
Highlight: Bernini’s most famous and controversial statue – St. Teresa in Ecstasy.
Upon entering the church, head straight to this euphoric sculpture located to the left of the altar. Bernini’s genius made the eroticism of this masterpiece palpably come to life.
WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT THIS BERNINI MASTERPIECE HERE
Free Walking Tour of The Top 10 Churches in Rome to Find Amazing Art
It is possible to hit all of these 10 churches on a walking tour. Divided into 3 sections based on location, it can be completed in about 3-4 hours if you do not linger at each church.
But why would you want to do that?
My recommendation is to make this into a whole-day (or two) excursion. It will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the astounding beauty of each church at your own pace.
I reassure you that it will be a day to remember for a lifetime.
START: Take the metro to Ottaviano station and head straight to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Part 1: St. Peter’s Basilica to Maria Del Popolo
Public Transit: Take the Metro from Flaminio Station (next to Maria Del Popolo) to San Giovanni Station for San Giovanni in Laterano.
Part 2: San Giovanni in Laterano to the churches near Termini Station
Public Transit: From Termini, take Express Bus H to Trastevere
Part 3: Santa Maria In Trastevere
Reward yourself with a scrumptious meal in one of Trastevere’s inviting trattorias or a hike up Gianicolo Hill if time allows.
END: Trastevere
The itinerary that follows is a summary of the walking tour.
Before you embark on this walking tour, please download the map below and make sure to check the opening hours and dress modestly.
All churches are free of charge unless you want to climb up St. Peter’s and go down San Clemente.
Bring some Euros with you as you may need them to illuminate some of the chapels in this walk.
If you want the comprehensive version, it can be found in the post: FREE WALKING TOUR: ULTIMATE 10 BEST CHURCHES IN ROME.
Feel free to download and share the FREE walking tour MAP below
Part 1: St. Peter’s Basilica to Maria Del Popolo
a. I can not think of any other church to start this tour except at the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica (#1 on the list), the planet’s most glorious church. Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s canopy are here. If you are so inclined, climb Michelangelo’s dome if you love sweeping viewpoints. It will not disappoint.
b. Walk towards the Tiber River towards Castel Sant’ Angelo. Walk across the picture-perfect pedestrianized bridge of Ponte San Angelo. Once you land on the other side of the Tiber, look back and marvel at one of Rome’s most phenomenal instagrammable spots.
c. Before proceeding to San Luigi de Francesi (#2). Make sure to swing by Piazza Navona and be mesmerized by the spectacular Four Rivers Fountain.
d. Head out to San Luigi de Francesi (#2 in my list). Be prepared to be floored by three earth-shattering paintings from Caravaggio for free in this church.
e. If you have not visited the Pantheon yet, take advantage of this opportunity to be blown away by Ancient Rome’s most-preserved site.
Historically speaking, Pantheon was built as a Roman church that eventually got converted into a Catholic Church. Masses still occur here every Saturday at 5 and Sunday at 10.
Don’t forget to look up and marvel at that gravity-defying unsupported dome! Still the current record-holder of the biggest unsupported concrete dome in the world and has been for centuries.
I have never skipped a visit here every time I’m in Rome. Never fails to make my jaw drop.
Download Rick Steves FREE Audio Tour of the Pantheon
f. Just behind the Pantheon is Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (#6 on the list) for a chance to see one of Rome’s very few Gothic churches as well as be awe-struck by a stellar Michelangelo sculpture.
g. Next stop is Rome’s most famous body of water – the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to toss a coin to guarantee your next visit again to the Eternal City.
h. From Trevi Fountain, make a beeline to another quintessential Roman attraction – the Spanish Steps. Climb the stairs and relish the views of Rome from this vantage point. On top of the stairs is another church – Triniti Dei Monti. Sadly, this church did not make the Top 10 but feel free to take a peek inside.
i. From the top of the Spanish Steps, follow the directions to get to Pincio Terrace for one of Rome’s most magnificent and romantic viewpoints.
j. Descend the stairs for Maria Del Popolo (#4 on the list). Prepared to be blown away by some Bernini sculptures and 2 of Carravagio’s most astounding masterpieces. FREE! Although you would need a Euro to activate the lights to illuminate the paintings. Before you head out to the Flaminio train station, linger for a minute or two at atmospheric Piazza Del Popolo.
Maria Del Popolo is next to the Flaminio train station. Take the Metro to the San Giovanni Metro stop to connect to Part 2 of this tour.
PART 2: San Giovanni In Laterano to the Churches near Termini
a. Start the second part of this walk in one of Rome’s most important churches, San Giovanni De Laterano (#8). After relishing the sublime art in this essential pilgrim site and paying respects to St. Peter’s and Paul’s heads, proceed to our next stop.
b. Across the street is the Holy Stairs, a required stop for Christian pilgrims. Kneel down and climb up on the same stairs where Jesus walked in Pilate’s temple when he was sentenced to death.
c. A short walk away is brilliant Basilica Di San Clemente (#3 on the list). Descending multiple layers down Rome is the unquestionable highlight of your visit here. A veritable archaeological odyssey!
d. Take a break from all the churches and head out to the Colosseo. From here, you have the option to tackle Ancient Rome sites like the Roman Forum and Trajan Markets if you are already churched out.
e. Get your walking shoes ready because it will be quite a hike to reach San Pietro in Vincoli (#7 on the list). Here, you will get a chance to see another resplendent Michelangelo sculpture and the chains that bound St. Peter when he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel.
If you are too tired to walk to our next stop, San Pietro in Vincoli is next to Cavour Metro Station. Take the train to Termini Station from here.
f. Whether on foot or by train, our next church will surely take your exhaustion away, especially if you like mosaics. Santa Maria Maggiore (#5 on the list) boasts breathtaking mosaics all around. You can pay tribute to Bernini’s tomb here too.
g. Nearby, diminutive Santa Prassade has impressive mosaics as well.
h. Walk for about 15 minutes to reach Bernini’s most popular creation, St. Teresa in Ecstasy. She has her residency in Santa Maria Dela Vittoria (#10 on the list).
i. After relishing Bernini’s outstanding sculpture, walk towards the main train station in Termini but peek inside a bonus church that is on the way – Santa Maria Degli Angeli. Formerly one of the biggest Roman baths in the city, it used to clean about 3,000 Romans a day at its peak.
j. Proceed to the main train station of Termini. In front of the station are terminals for buses. Look for express bus “H” which will take you to our last church, Santa Maria In Trastevere, located in one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
Part 3: Santa Maria In Trastevere
a. Situated in Rome’s most authentic district with meandering alleyways and colorful neighborhoods. Make a beeline for Santa Maria in Trastevere (#9 on my list) located in their central piazza, a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
Download the Rick Steves Free Walking tour in Trastevere which ends in Santa Maria in Trastevere
b. After checking out the church’s stunning mosaics, you can either pick a restaurant where you can have your dinner or if you still have the time and energy, hike up Gianicolo Hill.
Congratulations! You had just visited at least TEN of ROME’s most iconic churches and some of its most epic attractions.
Let’s review the number of masterpieces you just saw:
Caravaggio paintings – 5
Michelangelo sculptures – 3
Bernini statues – several
Mosaics – countless
Do you agree with the list? What will you change? What church did I forget?
Do you want TRAVEL TIPS to save TIME and MONEY in ROME? Click the image below to be redirected to the article.
ROME TRAVEL TIP: PROTECT YOURSELF
If you think you can outsmart the pickpockets, think again. They are incredibly street-savvy, unabashedly brazen, and well-equipped with pickpocketing tactics that will make you wonder “How did they manage to steal that from me?”. I guarantee that you might even witness pickpocketers in action – they are that numerous, confident, and bold.
A friend of mine went dining in a fancy restaurant in Rome. He set his camera bag between his legs while he was relishing his scrumptious meal. A well-dressed couple sat next to his table, checked the menu, and left after a few minutes. When it was time for him to leave the restaurant, his bag was no longer on the ground. The couple, dressed professionally, stole it.
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES
- Put your backpack in front of you
- Don’t carry a lot of cash – use a no foreign transaction fee credit card or use a no-fee debit card like Charles Schwab.
- Scan your passport and important documents and email it to yourself
- Have photocopies of your passport and important documents
- Get a TSA-lock for your backpack
- Use the safety deposit box in your hotel
- Carry your own adapter instead of borrowing from your hotel or charging at the front desk
If you think I’m being overly cautious, I’d like to share these well-written articles devoted to the subject prepared by the European Travel expert himself, Rick Steves.
OUTSMARTING AND AVOIDING PICKPOCKETS AND THIEVES IN EUROPE
TOURIST SCAMS AND RIP-OFFS IN EUROPE
PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
- Wear a MASK especially on the plane or in crowded areas
- Purchase Travel Insurance for medical coverage, trip interruption, etc.
GUIDEBOOKS
I also suggest borrowing guidebooks specific to Rome or Italy from your public library.
It will be essential for planning, navigation, and learning about the multi-layered history of the city.
You can also order from Amazon.com. Click any of the images below to be redirected to the product.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROME?
My accommodation choices usually revolve around hotels where I can use free nights by using points. I have consistently redeemed at hotels around the central train station of Termini.
This location is affordable, very central especially with public transport, and has tons of delicious restaurant options.
Termini also has inexpensive buses that jet tourists to the airport and back. I do not recall paying more than 5 Euros to get to the airport.
CHECK ROME AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS HERE
If I am not redeeming points, I go to booking.com to search for reasonably-priced deals.
Booking.comI also use hostelworld.com every so often, particularly when hotels are insanely expensive or when I’m traveling solo. This gives me the opportunity to meet other travelers and join cheap tours that are frequently offered by these budget-friendly accommodations.
Disclosure: The blog may receive a commission when you use any of the links in this post at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the blog! (See our Disclosure below)
How to FLY to ROME for almost FREE
All of my trips the past decade had been ALMOST FREE via travel miles.
I’ve visited a total of 85 countries using miles and points. I accumulate these points from credit card rewards and bonuses. Some of these cards are featured here.
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