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This blog post is the companion self-guided walking tour guide to my article on Rome’s Ultimate Top 10 Best Churches to Visit for Amazing Art.
Rome is a city known for its stunning churches and impressive art.
If you’re looking to take in some of the best art in Rome, then look no further!
In this blog post, we will provide a tour of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring artwork found in the city’s churches.
From Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
I must admit, I am not at all religious.
However, the main reason behind curating this tour is that Rome’s churches house remarkable treasures that often go unnoticed by the average tourist.
Moreover, these sanctuaries are conveniently located near iconic Roman attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.
Thus, it was only fitting that this walking tour would include stops at these must-see sites, adding even more excitement to an already action-packed itinerary filled with unforgettable highlights.
Top Ten Churches in Rome to Find Amazing Art
Before we start this tour, let’s recap my top 10 best churches in Rome and why they are on this list.
- St. Peter’s Basilica – the grandest church on the planet with a jaw-dropping Michelangelo sculpture and a climbable Michelangelo dome
- San Luigi De Francesci – three of Caravaggio’s breathtaking stellar masterpieces reside here
- Basilica Di San Clemente – descend three layers deep into Ancient Rome
- Santa Maria Del Popolo – two Caravaggios, a Raphael chapel, and Bernini sculptures near Rome’s most romantic terrace
- Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Prassede – magnificent mosaics everywhere
- Santa Maria Sopra Minerva – one of the few Gothic churches in Rome, a splendid Michelangelo sculpture lives here
- San Pietro in Vincoli – another sublime Michelangelo sculpture and the chains used on St. Peter are here
- San Giovanni In Laterano and the Holy Stairs – one of Rome’s most important churches and the stairs where Jesus walked on before he was crucified
- Santa Maria in Trastevere – one of Rome’s oldest churches in an enthralling neighborhood
- Santa Maria Della Vittoria – Bernini‘s ultimate masterpiece resides here
Free Walking Tour of Rome’s 10 Best Churches to Find Art Masterpieces
I divided this walking tour of Rome’s best art in churches into three sections based on location.
It can be completed in about 4-5 hours on a whirlwind visit.
However, that means you would have to squander your ability to linger.
I recommend making this a whole-day (or two) excursion.
It will allow you to immerse yourself in the astounding beauty of each church at your own pace.
Rest assured, this will be an unforgettable day that will leave a lasting impression.
Summary of the Free Walking Tour Itinerary
START: All roads lead to Rome. Let’s start our tour by taking the metro to the Ottaviano station, the nearest station to St. Peter’s Basilica.
| Summary of Free Walking Tour |
|---|
| Part 1: St. Peter’s Basilica to Maria Del Popolo Churches in Part 1: St. Peter’s Basilica (Bernini, Michelangelo) Basilica of St. Augustine in Campo Marzio (Caravaggio) San Luigi De Francesi (Caravaggio) Pantheon (Raphael) Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (Michelangelo, Bernini) Santa Maria Del Popolo (Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio) |
| Connect to Part 2: 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 Churches in Part 2: Basilica Di San Giovanni in Laterano (Bernini) Sacred Steps (Scala Sancta) Basilica Di San Clemente San Pietro In Vincoli (Michelangelo) Santa Maria Maggiore (mosaics) Santa Prassede (mosaics) Santa Maria Dela Vittoria (Bernini) Santa Maria Degli Angeli |
| Connect to Part 3: From Termini, take Express Bus H to Trastevere |
| Part 3: Santa Maria In Trastevere |
| End: Reward yourself with a scrumptious meal in one of Trastevere’s inviting trattorias or a hike up Gianicolo Hill if time allows. |
Download the Free Map of this Walking Tour
Open this map on your mobile phone, as you need to access it for this tour. Feel free to share it as well.
Need to Know Before This Tour
a. Make sure to check each church’s opening hours and dress modestly.
b. All churches are free of charge except for the dome climb up St. Peter’s and the descent in San Clemente.
c. Bring some euros with you as you may need them to illuminate some of the art in this walk.
d. You would need some change for the metro and the express bus.
e. Metro and bus have the same tickets. You have to purchase your ticket before boarding. Tickets are available in kiosks, bars, and some vending machines. I typically purchase ten tickets at a time to save time.
f. Do not forget to validate your ticket when you take public transportation (copy what locals do or ask where to validate your ticket).
g. If you have the ROMA pass, there is no need to validate. Just be prepared to show it to the conductor when asked. Do not forget to write the date on your pass.
h. Don’t carry a big backpack. You may need to check that in upon entering St. Peters.
i. Protect your valuables as pickpockets – typically dressed like tourists – are at tourist spots and public transportation.
Part 1: St. Peter’s Basilica to Maria Del Popolo
| Length of Tour (Part 1) |
|---|
| 3 miles Without Stops: 1 hour and 2 minutes With Stops: A full day |
A. St. Peter’s Basilica
START: Ottaviano Metro Station, then walk to St. Peter’s Basilica
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 can be found here.
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 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 sacrifice and patience, so arriving as early as possible is recommended.
Alternatively, timing your visit a few hours before closing time can prove rewarding, particularly when you plan to climb up to the dome.
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 Audience,” held every Wednesday.
Highlights:
- Michelangelo’s Pieta is located behind bullet-proof glass to avoid attacks similar to what happened in 1972 when a man broke Mary’s nose and arm.
- Michelangelo’s Dome
- Bernini’s Canopy
- 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.
- You can also combine your visit to the Basilica with the Vatican Museum.
B. Castel & Ponte Sant’ Angelo
Head towards the Tiber River for Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Take a leisurely stroll across the picturesque pedestrian bridge of Ponte San Angelo.
And when you reach the other side of the Tiber, don’t forget to look back and be in awe of one of Rome’s most phenomenal spots to capture – very Instagrammable!
Castel Sant’ Angelo
This massively imposing castle was formerly the resting place of the Roman emperors.
All the emperors from Hadrian to Caracalla were buried here. It still contains their ashes.
It was also used as a fortress and prison in the Middle Ages.
Eventually, it became a hiding place for the popes threatened by invaders.
There used to be an elevated passageway that connected the Vatican to this gargantuan structure that the popes used to escape the ire of outsiders.
You can choose to visit this site for a fee, but I would skip it if you do not have the luxury of extra time.
As mentioned above, the best view is just on the other side of the Tiber River, on the opposite end of Ponte Sant’Angelo, and can be enjoyed for FREE.
Ponte Sant’ Angelo
Emperor Hadrian built this scenic bridge to connect Ancient Rome to his tomb.
It is also called the Bridge of Angels because of the marvelous angel sculptures that flank the bridge.
Lined by sumptuous Bernini statues depicting the passion of Christ, this pathway was the only one that connected downtown Rome with St. Peter’s during the Middle Ages and thus widely used by pilgrims from all over.
A few atmospheric streets connect Ponte Sant’ Angelo to our next stop, the dazzling Piazza Navona. Refer to the map and pick any pedestrianized alleyway to get to our next destination.
Before proceeding to our next church, San Luigi de Francesi (#2), make sure to make a detour in the stunning Piazza Navona and be mesmerized by the spectacular Four Rivers Fountain.
This fountain occupies the center stage of this former racetrack (Stadium of Domitian) converted into one of the city’s most celebrated piazzas. A Roman icon and a definite must-see stop.
There are two other fountains nearby – The Fountain of the Moor, and the Fountain of Neptune.
If you’re looking to add a little culture to your Rome bucket list, then do not leave Rome without taking a glimpse of this gorgeous Baroque square.
MUST-SEE: You can now enter the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian, which is located about 4.50 meters below street level. It was built in 86 AD and could hold up to 30,000 spectators. The entrance is on the northern end of the Piazza.
Worth The Detour: Basilica of St. Augustine in Campo Marzio
Before heading out to our next church, feel free to make a detour at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Campo Marzio, located to the north of Piazza Navona.
The church’s location is the orange star in the downloadable Google maps included in this post.
In this basilica, you get an opportunity to see a Caravaggio painting that was considered scandalous by his peers.
The Pilgrim’s Madonna or Madonna of Loreto depicts a humble and demure Mary, casually leaning against a door while holding her naked child, before two kneeling pilgrims.
D. San Luigi De Francesi
Our next striking church is just a 2-3 minute walk away.
Let’s head out to one of my personal favorites and number 2 on my list — San Luigi de Francesi — the national church of France in Rome.
As expected, French emblems are scattered everywhere in this church. However, the highlight of this church is not French.
Make a beeline for the Contarelli Chapel, located on the far left chapel near the altar.
Prepare to be floored by three earth-shattering paintings from Caravaggio for free in this church.
You might need a Euro or two to activate the lights if you want to examine the intricate details of his masterpieces.
Highlights:
- 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).
E. The Pantheon
If you have not visited the Pantheon yet, take advantage of this opportunity to be blown away by Ancient Rome’s most-preserved archaelological site.
Historically speaking, the Pantheon is a church.
It was initially built as a Roman (pagan) church that eventually got converted into a Catholic Church.
Masses still occur here every Saturday at 5 PM and Sunday at 10 AM.
Don’t forget to look up and marvel at that gravity-defying unsupported dome!
It is still the current record-holder of the most enormous unsupported concrete dome in the world and has been for centuries.
I have never skipped a visit here every time I’m in Rome. It never fails to make my jaw drop.
F. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Just behind the Pantheon is Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (#6 on the list).
In this church, you get an opportunity to see one of Rome’s few Gothic churches and be mesmerized by a stellar Michelangelo sculpture.
Highlights:
- Rome’s only Gothic church. Check out the arched vaulted ceiling
- Michelangelo’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
G. Trevi Fountain
The next stop is Rome’s most famous body of water – the Trevi Fountain.
Gorgeously constructed by architect Nicola Salvi, this Baroque showstopper features a herculean sculpture in the center called “Ocean” surrounded by tritons, winged horses, and water.
Don’t forget to turn around with your back facing the fountain and toss a coin to guarantee your next visit again to the Eternal City.
It has worked for me every single time.
Other myths have surfaced in recent years. Throw two coins for romance, and three bring forth marriage.
Not throwing a coin means you are divorced and currently paying alimony, and thus no penny to spare.
Over a million dollars is collected from the fountain floor every year, and the proceeds are donated to a Catholic charity to help the poor people of Rome.
It is excellent every time of the day, but the atmosphere is more exhilarating at night.
H. The Spanish Steps
From Trevi Fountain, follow the map and navigate Central Rome’s busy streets to get to another quintessential Roman attraction – the Spanish Steps.
Climb the stairs and relish the views of Rome from this splendid 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. Pincio Terrace
From the top of the Spanish Steps, follow the directions to Pincio Terrace for one of Rome’s most magnificent and romantic viewpoints.
It is particularly unforgettable during sunsets.
Pincio Terrace is also within walking distance from the spectacular Borghese Gallery (advanced reservation required).
J. Santa Maria Del Popolo
Descend the stairs of Pincio Terrace for Maria Del Popolo (#4 on the list), located to the right of the stairs.
Be ready to be blown away by some staggering Bernini sculptures and two of Caravaggio’s most astounding creations.
You would need another Euro or two to activate the lights to illuminate the paintings.
Highlights:
- 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
Linger around Piazza Del Popolo with its signature Egyptian obelisk before moving on to Part 2 of this tour.
This square was 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 when they visited the Eternal City.
Today, it’s still a hectic gathering spot for locals and tourists alike – perfect for people-watching!
CONNECT PART 1 TO PART 2: Maria Del Popolo is next to the Flaminio train station. Take the Metro to the San Giovanni Metro stop to continue this tour.
Part 2: San Giovanni in Laterano to the Churches near Termini Station
| Length of Tour (Part 2) |
|---|
| 3 miles Without Stops: 1 hour & 7 minutes With Stops: A full day |
A. San Giovanni in Laterano
Start the second part of this walk in one of Rome’s most important churches, San Giovanni In Laterano (#8).
The official church of the Pope and the oldest basilica in the city and the Western World.
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 contains the heads of St. Peter and St. Paul
- Altar of the Holy Sacrament that contains the remains of the cedar table used by Christ during the Last Supper
After relishing the glorious art in this essential pilgrim site and paying respects to St. Peter’s and Paul’s heads, please proceed to our next stop.
B. The Holy Stairs or Scala Sancta
Across the street from San Giovanni is the Holy Stairs, a required stop for Christian pilgrims.
Kneel and climb up the same stairs where Jesus walked in Pilate’s temple when he was sentenced to death.
C. Basilica Di San Clemente
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!
Be prepared to be stunned by layer after layer of evidence of Rome’s antiquity by physically descending back in time.
| Level | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 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
D. Colosseo
Take a break from all the churches and head out to the Colosseo, just a few minutes walk away from San Clemente.
From here, you have the option to tackle Ancient Rome sites like the Roman Forum and Trajan Markets if you are already churched out.
Otherwise, let’s continue our tour and save Colosseo (and Ancient Rome) for another day.
E. San Pietro in Vincoli
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.
A required stop for even the most casual Michelangelo fan, this church contains one of the artist’s most spellbinding sculptures – the statue of Moses with its famous horns.
Even Michelangelo considers this as one of his greatest creations.
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)
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 to get to our next church, a mosaic tour de force.
F. Santa Maria Maggiore
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 captivating mosaics all around.
You can pay tribute to Bernini’s tomb here too.
Located in one of the city’s famous seven hills – Esquiline hill, this church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and also boasts Rome’s tallest campanile (bell tower).
It is also one of Rome’s oldest churches.
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
G. Santa Prassade
If you are not mosaic out yet, a few meters away from Santa Maria Maggiore is this tiny church.
The diminutive Santa Prassade amazingly packs a heavy punch and is guaranteed to cause even the most discerning mosaic lover to 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.
H. Santa Maria Dela Vittoria
Walk about 15 minutes to reach Bernini’s most famous creation, St. Teresa in Ecstasy.
She has her residency in Santa Maria Dela Vittoria (#10 on the list).
Upon entering the church, head straight to this euphoric sculpture to the altar’s left.
Bernini’s genius made the eroticism of this masterpiece palpably come to life.
I. Santa Maria Degli Angeli
After relishing Bernini’s outstanding sculpture, walk towards the central train station in Termini and peek inside a bonus church – Santa Maria Degli Angeli.
Formerly one of the most enormous Roman baths in the city, it used to clean about 3,000 Romans a day at its peak.
J. Termini
Head over to the central train station of Termini. Right in front of the station, you’ll find the bus terminals.
Look out for the express bus “H” that’ll take you to our final stop, Santa Maria In Trastevere – a beautiful church tucked away in one of Rome’s coolest neighborhoods.
CONNECT PART 2 WITH PART 3: To continue this tour, take Express Bus “H” from Termini to Trastevere. Buy your bus ticket before boarding the bus. Do not forget to validate the ticket; otherwise, you might get fined.
Part 3: Santa Maria In Trastevere
Our next church is 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.
Checklist:
- 12th-century mosaics
- Colorful Frescoes
- Asymmetrical Columns
- The Romanesque brick bell tower
- Piazza with the octagonal fountain right outside
After admiring the church’s breathtaking mosaics, you can grab a bite at a nearby restaurant for dinner.
If you’re up for it, you can also hike up Gianicolo Hill if you’ve got the time and energy.
Or, just chill and people-watch at the piazza in front of the church while you pat yourself on the back for acing it!
Congratulations, You’ve Done It!
You had just visited at least TEN of ROME’s most iconic churches and some of its most epic sites.
Let’s review the number of masterpieces you just saw:
| Masterpieces | Number |
|---|---|
| Caravaggio | 5 |
| Michelangelo | 3 |
| Bernini | several |
| Mosaics | countless |
Do you agree with the list? What will you change? What church did I forget?
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.
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 essential documents
- Get a TSA-lock for your backpack
- Use the safety deposit box in your hotel
- Carry your adapter instead of borrowing it from your hotel or charging it at the front desk
I want to share these well-written articles about petty crimes directed at tourists prepared by the European Travel expert Rick Steves.
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 city’s multi-layered history.
You can also order my favorite Rome guidebooks from Amazon.com.
How We Flew to Italy Using Credit Card Points
I primarily use credit card points for free and discounted travel.
As long as I responsibly pay off my credit card bills on time, my travels are paid for by the banks that provide these points as a form of rebate or reward.
I flew on Emirates First Class for this trip to Italy by redeeming 85,000 Emirates miles and $88.
Anyone who is frugal and financially responsible can travel do this too.
I earned my Emirates miles through travel credit cards.
If you are new to leveraging credit card points to travel for a considerable discount, feel free to reach out to me or join our free Travel Miles and Points Facebook Group.
Final Thoughts
This blog post is the essential walking tour guide to complement my article on Rome’s Ultimate Top 10 Best Churches to Visit.
With a free downloadable walking tour map included, easily accessible on Google Maps, you can embark on a captivating journey through Rome’s sacred sites filled with artistic treasures
Having revisited these churches multiple times myself, I can assure you that this carefully planned itinerary will satisfy your spiritual curiosity and desire to see breathtaking masterpieces.
Get ready to be captivated by Rome’s iconic churches’ cultural richness and historical significance, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.
Please let me know if you’ve completed this walking tour. I am eager to hear your thoughts on it!
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE – Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. The content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
WOW! This is an amazingly massive list of tours! Pinning for later, as I hope to make it to Rome one day!
Hi Jordin! Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world and I am sure you will love your visit there as well. Breaks my heart how it is currently being battered by COVID19 but I’m sure it’ll be back to its original glory anytime soon! Thanks for reading!
Love all the pictures and information about the churches. Hopefully I can find an online tour to see more! Great read!
Thank you, Carey! There are a lot of online tours, but I recommend downloading the free Rick Steves Europe app so you can access his incredible walking tours. He’s my inspiration for creating this tour. Safe travels 🙂
Wow, this is stunning. Thank you for sharing this. This tour package is great because if you’re in a large tour group, you will definitely miss things. I can’t wait to visit this beautiful city.
Rome is incredible and the art is out of this world. You will surely have an unforgettable experience!