23 Most Famous Churches in Rome (+ A Free Map to Find Them)

Are you looking for the most famous churches in Rome? Then this article will give you a list of 23 of the must-visit Rome churches and basilicas!

For centuries, pilgrims have traveled to Rome to visit the churches and cathedrals in a display of religious devotion.

Nowadays, however, tourists have joined the pilgrims, some Christians, others not, but all wanting to see the beautiful architecture and artwork of the churches.

But with over 900 churches and cathedrals in Rome, there is no way you will have time to see them all in one visit.

So what are the most famous churches in Rome that are worth visiting? To help you, I’ve put together this list of 23 Rome churches that cover a wide variety of styles from early Christianity, Medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance, to Baroque. In a few instances, you might even see a variety of styles in one church.

Before You Go, Here’s How To Plan Your Visit To Rome Quickly

Rome is a popular city which means that good hotels and tours book out fast, so before you go, make sure that you make your reservations in time to avoid disappointments! Below are my expert recommendations!

⏩ WHERE TO STAY IN ROME

Best Colosseum view: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (8.8/10)
Luxury stay: H10 Palazzo Galla (9.2)
Mid-range stay: Barberini Dream (9.5/10)
Budget stay: Like Family House (9.4)
Apartment rental/Airbnb: Apartment Julia Guesthouse (8.4)

⏩ GUIDES TOURS AND TICKETS YOU SHOULD BOOK IN ADVANCE

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (4.6/5). This is the exact tour I took, and I couldn’t have been happier. We had a knowledgeable and fun tour guide.

Skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums with an audio guide (4.5/5). This ticket saved me a whopping 3 hours. You’ll pass in a dedicated Getyourguide line with it. It’s a true skip-the-line ticket.

Borghese Gallery guided tour (4.7/5). This is my favorite museum in Rome, and this tour made me fall in love with it even more.

Street food walking tour of Rome (4.8/5). If you want to taste Rome’s delicacies while exploring its popular neighborhood of Trastevere, then this is the food tour I recommend!

Famous Churches in Rome

Read on to learn about some of the best churches in Rome that I believe you’ll appreciate. I’ve also included a free map at the bottom of the page to make sure you locate them easily.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

One of the best places to visit in Rome is no doubt St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see on your visit to Rome. Located in the Vatican City, it is not only the most famous church in Italy but also in the world.

If you only have time to visit one or two churches in Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica should come first because it’s incredibly spectacular. 

Besides being famous, it is also the largest church in the world by interior measure, covering an area of 15,160 meters square (163,200 sq ft), so it is not surprising that it took 120 years to build.

Built in a Renaissance style, this basilica has stunning pieces of work by famous Italian artists such as Bernini and Michelangelo.

One of the highlights of this church is the bronze statue of St. Peter. Pilgrims journey for thousands of miles to honor his memory and to kiss the statue’s feet.

Other must-see artworks include the Pieta by Michelangelo, a sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus Christ, the Chair/Throne of St. Peter, the high altar by Bernini, the Monument to Pope Alexander VII, and many others.

The church also has a magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo that rises 136 meters (446 feet) high! It is beautifully decorated with mosaics of 96 figures, including Christ, the 12 apostles, and the first 16 canonized popes.

You can climb the dome for spectacular views of Rome in all its glory, but most strikingly St. Peter’s Square.

The best thing is that it’s free to visit St. Peter’s Basilica unless you want to climb the dome — then you’ll need to pay a small fee or opt for this guided tour of the church and the dome to fully learn about it.

St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Hours: The church is open daily from 7.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (April – September) and from 7.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (October – March).

✅  Click here to book your St. Peter’s Basilica guided tour plus dome access!

2. The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is also in Vatican City, so if you are going to St. Peter’s Basilica, take some time to visit the Chapel as well.

However, since it is part of the Vatican Museums, you can only visit it if you purchase this combined ticket.

This can be costly and time-constraining if you just want to see the Chapel but on the other hand, it is worth seeing at least a few pieces in one of the 54 museums.

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous churches in Rome and is best known for its beautiful ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

The ceiling shows a number of scenes from the Old Testament but one that stands out is The Creation of Man in the center depicting God breathing life into Adam.

It took Michelangelo 4 years to paint but it isn’t his only masterpiece. You will also be able to see his stunning frescoes of The Last Judgment.

Due to its popularity, I highly recommend booking this skip-the-line ticket, otherwise, you might end up wasting up to 4 hours in a queue.

If you buy that ticket, you’ll pass through a dedicated line! I bought it and didn’t spend even 5 minutes in the line.

Alternatively, you can book this highly-rated guided tour of the Sistine Chapel plus the Vatican museums!

Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Opening Hours: 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday). From May until October, it is open on Fridays until 10.30 p.m. and Saturdays until 8.00 p.m. This is perfect if you’re looking for things to do at night in Rome on a Friday.

✅ Click here to book your skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.

3. Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Chiesa Di Sant ‘Ignazio Di Loyola)

Chiesa di Sant ‘Ignazio di Loyola is one of the Jesuit churches in Rome. It is the largest Jesuit church in the city and is dedicated to the founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola, who was a prominent Spanish priest.

As with most Baroque churches, Chiesa di Sant ‘Ignazio di Loyola is stunning. It has a facade decorated with statues and columns, but it’s the jaw-dropping interior embellished with marble, stucco, and beautiful frescoes that will mesmerize you — at least I was when I visited! Needless to say, this is one of my top 3 favorite churches in Rome!

The most impressive of all is the fresco of The Triumph of St. Ignatius by Andrea Pozzo that runs across the nave! It’s a true masterpiece. It looks as if some of the figures are flying, and St. Ignatius is moving towards heaven. 

Can’t see the figures up close? There is a large mirror below it that makes everything much clearer and beautiful. Just be ready to queue for it as it has become social media- famous with many people wanting to capture its beauty!

Part of the ceiling is also painted in such a way that it looks like a dome, yet it is flat.

If I didn’t say it already, after St.Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, this is my favorite church in Rome! It’s that beautiful!

Chiesa di Sant ‘Ignazio di Loyola Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday). 9.00 a.m. – 11.30 p.m. (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays)

4. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere (Our Lady in Trastevere)

It is believed that Santa Maria in Trastevere was the first place that Christian services were held publically.

Before that, they had to be held privately otherwise the Christians could be exiled, tortured, or even executed.

It is one of the most beautiful churches in Rome and merges early Christian elements with Medieval and Baroque styles.

It was originally built between 221 and 340, renovated in the 12th century, and redecorated in the 17th century.

The mosaics inside the church date to the late 13th century and were created by Petro Cavallini. They depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary after whom the church was named.

The floor is inlaid with marble and the wooden ceiling is gilded with gold. All in all, this church is a perfect work of art and is well worth your time.

If you can, visit the church after dark as the facade is illuminated, and the mosaics glitter in the lights.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. – 8.30 p.m. (Monday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday). 8.00 a.m. – 8.30 p.m. (Friday)

5. The Pantheon

The Pantheon was one of the first places I visited in Rome, and I was suitably impressed.

It is a remarkably well-preserved building considering that it was built in the 2nd century as a temple dedicated to Roman pagan gods. It became a Christian church in the 7th century and is still used for Roman Catholic services to this day.

From the outside, the Pantheon looks like a typical ancient Roman temple. It has a portico and three rows of columns, but it also has an enormous dome which is the largest unreinforced dome in the world.

On the inside, it has an oculus which lets in light and, you’ve guessed it, rain as well. However, the Romans built a drainage system that takes away the water so that the church doesn’t flood.

The walls inside the church have recesses that used to house ancient Roman statues but now contain chapels and tombs of prominent Italians such as the artist, Raphael, and members of the Italian royal family, including the first King of Unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.

It used to be free to visit but that changed recently! I recommend booking this ticket online to avoid wasting time in long queues, especially if you are visiting in the height of summer. This ticket also comes with an audio guide to learn more about it.

However, if you want to get an even deeper understanding of its history, then you can opt for this Pantheon guided tour instead.

The Pantheon Opening Hours: Open – 9.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. (daily)

✅ Click here to purchase your Pantheon entry ticket in advance to avoid the long lines.

6. Basilica of San Clemente (Basilica Di San Clemente Al Laterano)

The Basilica di San Clemente allows you to explore different eras, making it one of the most unique Rome basilicas.

You will be able to see three churches in one and learn how Roman religion evolved.

The basilica that is used today was built in the 12th century but there is a 4th-century church below and underneath that, a 2nd-century temple that was dedicated to a pagan god.

The 12th-century basilica is at street level. It is elaborately decorated with marble inlays on the floor and mosaics of scenes from the Bible adorning the triumphal arch and the apse.

Underneath this basilica, you will find the 4th-century church which has magnificent frescoes of Pope Clemente after whom the church was named. 

The third level of the basilica contains a dark and damp 2nd-century temple, dedicated to Mithras, the god of light, justice, war, and kingship. 

Basilica di San Clemente Opening Hours: 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. (Monday – Saturday, November – May). 12.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. (Sunday, November – May). 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 a.m. (Monday – Saturday, June – October), 12.00 – 6.00 p.m. (Sunday, June – October).

7. Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo (Saint Mary of the People)

This church is in the Piazza del Popolo which translates to the square of the people, and is also one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome.

It was originally built to exorcize the ghost of Emperor Nero, a tyrant and sadist, who was reputedly buried here.

It was reconstructed in the 15th century and is one of Rome’s earliest and most extravagant Renaissance churches.

The exterior of the church could make you walk right past it as it doesn’t give out much, but the inside is quite beautiful.

It’s also one of the many churches in the city that is free to enter which is a bonus.

The ceiling is stunning as it is coffered and adorned with gold, and the apse has a beautiful mosaic of the Virgin Mary.

Make sure that you don’t miss the side chapels too! There are eight, four in each side aisle, but the two most outstanding are Cesari Chapel which contains two paintings by the famous Italian artist, Caravaggio, and Chigi Chapel, designed by Raphael.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo Opening Hours: 8.30 a.m. – 9,45 a.m., 10.30 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday), 4.30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. (Sunday).

8. Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)

Not far from the Colosseum on top of the Oppian Hill is Basilica di San Pietro which was built in the 5th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Rome.

It was built to house the two chains that were used to bind St. Peter both in Jerusalem and Rome and, according to legend, when the 2 were brought close together, they fused. Today, they are kept underneath the altar in a reliquary.

Another highlight of the basilica is Pope Julius II’s tomb created by Michelangelo. It is adorned with sculptures of Moses, Rachel, Leah, and the two wives of Jacob.

They are spectacular, especially the statue of Moses, which is 2.5 meters (8 feet) high.

They were supposed to be 40 sculptures but due to delays, changes in the project, and Michelangelo’s other work commitments, they were never made. Imagine what it would have been like if the project had been completed.

You should, however, note that although it’s called a tomb, Pope Julius II is not interred here but rather in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, so this is more of a monumental piece than an actual tomb.

The church itself is a bit humble compared to other famous churches in Rome, so most people visit only to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli Opening Hours: 8.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. Daily)

9. Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin is one of the most famous churches in Rome.

Unfortunately, this is not because it is a beautiful Medieval church, but because of the Mouth of Truth (La Bocca della Verità) which is a large marble mask placed on the wall of the portico.

It is said that if you put your hand into the mouth, it will snap shut if you are a liar. It attracts lots of tourists so you will probably have to queue if you want to test your honesty. However, you could always go inside the basilica instead.

The interior of the basilica is stunning with a focus on marble decoration including on the floor, the pulpit, and the bishop’s throne, and there are even frescoes on the walls of the aisles.

Don’t miss going to the crypt which was built to store the relics from the catacombs by Pope Adrian.

The church also has a 7-story campanile (bell tower) which is the tallest in Rome and was built in a simple Romanesque design.

Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (April – October daily), 9.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (November – March daily)

10. Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians was a Roman virgin who was martyred in 300 A.D., and the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere was built over her houses in the 5^th century to honor her memory. 

It is another church that looks dull from the outside but is stunning inside. It was renovated in both the 8^th and 18^th centuries and the walls are adorned with frescoes.

There is also a lifelike statue of Saint Cecilia by Stefano Maderno, showing her body as it was when it was exhumed in 1599, reputedly incorruptible, meaning that it hadn’t decayed.

There is also a Benedictine cloistered convent where you will find the spectacular Last Judgment fresco by Pietro Cavallini. You’ll have to pay a few euros to see it even though the church itself is free.

Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Opening Hours: 10.00 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. (Daily)

11. Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva

This church is a little unusual as it is one of the few churches in Rome with Gothic influences.

It was built in the latter part of the 13th century on top of the ruins of a temple dedicated to the pagan goddess, Isis, although it was confused to be Minerva at the time of its construction, hence the name.

Although the outside is Gothic, you will find artwork from the Renaissance and Baroque periods inside the church including a marble sculpture of Risen Christ (also known as Christ the Redeemer) by Michelangelo, stunning frescos in the Carafa Chapel by Filippino Lippi.

The church is also an important pilgrimage site as it houses the tombs of many famous people, including Catherine of Siena, the patron saint of Italy, Pope Urban VII, Pope Paul IV, and many others.

Fra Angelico, a Dominican friar and painter of several masterpieces is also buried here!

Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva Opening Hours: 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. (Daily)

12. Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura (Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls)

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was built outside the ancient Roman defensive Aurelian Walls (hence the name) at the burial place of St. Paul and houses the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle.

It was first built in the 4th century but was almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century. However, there are still some mosaics on the Holy Door that are from the original building. 

To get to the church, you’ll have to walk through a courtyard and when you reach the facade, you will be welcomed by a magnificent statue of St. Paul and a mosaic of the Apocalypse of St John.

Inside, the apse is particularly stunning and has a mosaic of Jesus Christ, St. Paul, St. Peter, St. Luke, and St. Andrew. It was created in the 5th century but has been significantly restored over the years.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Opening Hours: 7.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Daily)

13. Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli (The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Altar in Heaven)

Next on our list of famous Rome churches is Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli! It was originally built in the 6th century but has been restored since then.

If you believe in miracles, you should visit this basilica as it houses a wooden figure of Jesus Christ as a child known as Santo Bambino of Aracoeli which is believed to resurrect the dead.

It was carved in the 15th century but was stolen in the 1990s and has been replaced with a replica. Whether the replica is also miraculous is another question.

Like several Roman churches, it’s easy to miss this church since it’s located on the famous Capitoline Hill which has a lot to offer, and its exterior doesn’t give away much — but that would be a mistake.

The marble steps leading up to the church are spectacular but they are steep and quite many (124 to be exact) so it can be a bit of a challenge to climb.

However, it is worth the effort as the inside of the church is stunning. It has a beautiful gold frescoed ceiling depicting scenes from the Battle of Lepanto during which a fleet from the Holy League defeated a fleet of ships from the Ottoman Empire, beautiful Cosmatesque floors, overhanging chandeliers, Roman columns which were made from other ruins, and various frescoes.

Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Daily)

14. Basilica Sant ’Andrea della Valle (Church of St. Andrew of the Valley)

If you are familiar with Puccini’s opera, Tosca, you will know that the Basilica Sant ‘Andrea della Valle is the setting for the first act, making it one of the most famous Rome churches.

It was one of the first Baroque basilicas to be built in the city. The facade, designed by Carlo Moderno has a fascinating balustrade hosting statues of angels and saints.

The interior is particularly luxurious with marble and gold used throughout, and paintings covering some of the walls.

You will probably get a neckache looking up at the fresco adorning the dome ceiling known as the Glory of Paradise by Giovanni Lanfranco which shows saints and angels heading towards heaven.

Besides, the cupola, the entire ceiling is stunningly beautiful with colorful frescoes which you can even have an up-close view of from the mirror placed right below them.

This church’s dome is also the second tallest in Rome, only beaten to the top spot by St. Peter’s Basilica.

Basilica Sant ’Andrea della Valle Opening Hours: 10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Monday – Friday), 12.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Saturday), 8.30 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Sunday)

15. Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino (Basilica of Saint Sabina in Aventine)

The Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino is one of the earliest Christian basilicas in Rome, so it’s not surprising that it has a colonnaded rectangular shape compared to other popular churches of Rome.

It was built in the 5th century, and above the entrance is one of the oldest mosaics in the city. The church is also famous for its carved cypress wooden entrance door that dates to 432 A.D.

It shows various scenes from the Bible but one standout is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the two thieves which is believed to be the first known public display of the crucifixion.

Inside, the opulence of the marble used to decorate the church is impressive. Not only are the columns made from it, but the choir has marble screens too.

Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino Opening Hours: 12.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. (Sunday and Monday), 8.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. (Tuesday – Saturday)

16. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major)

The Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore has the honor of being the only one of the Catholic churches in Rome to have held Mass every day since the 5th century.

Although built in the 5th century, it has had embellishments and additions since then such as the 14th-century bell tower and a gold-adorned ceiling from the 16th century. 

Situated on Esquiline Hill, it is one of the most beautiful basilicas in Rome. There are so many works of art both inside and out, that it seems like a museum.

There are stunning mosaics in the nave and the triumphal arch which depict scenes of the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus plus some from the Old Testament.

Underneath the altar of the Sistine Chapel (yes, this church also has its own Sistine Chapel, not the one in the Vatican), there is a shrine with what are thought to be relics from Jesus’ crib in Bethlehem.

And if you step outside, you’ll find Bernini’s tomb!

If you visit Rome on August 5th, you may want to attend the Miracle of the Snow celebration at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore which according to the legend is the day snow fell, clearly marking where the church honoring the Virgin Mary was to be built after having appeared in Pope Liberius’ dream directing him to construct a church in her honor.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Opening Hours: 7.00 a.m. – 6.45 p.m. (Daily)

17. Sant Agnese in Agone

Saint Agnese was executed in the 4th century because she was a Christian. She was later martyred, and this church is dedicated to her memory.

It was built on top of the ancient stadium of Domitian, now Piazza Navona, in the exact place where she was killed.

The church is a perfect example of Baroque architecture with the interior decorated with life-size sculptures and beautiful frescoes.

There are several altars in the church, most dedicated to martyrs except for one which is assigned to the Holy Family.

The altar dedicated to Agnese shows her surrounded by flames and a reliquary displays her skull.

Sant Agnese in Agone Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Daily)

18. San Luigi dei Francesi (St. Louis of the French)

If you plan to visit the Pantheon, you should also stop at the nearby San Luigi dei Francesci.

This church has served the French community in Rome for over four centuries and is the seat of the Cardinal of Paris in Rome.

It is elaborately decorated and contains three of the world’s most famous paintings about the life of St. Matthew in Contarelli Chapel by Caravaggio, which are some of his earliest works.

They include; The Calling of St. Matthew (on the left wall), The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (above the altar), and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (on the right wall).

The church is Baroque and houses many frescoes and statues. It also has ten chapels, one of which displays frescoes of St. Cecilia by Domenichino, and a choir that has a spectacular organ built by Joseph Merklin in the 1880s.

San Luigi dei Francesi Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. – 12.45 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Daily)

19. Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem)

This is one of the most interesting basilicas in Rome to visit as it displays a large collection of holy relics of the Passion of Christ from Jerusalem.

These were brought to Rome by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, and are housed in a special chapel.

They include fragments of the stable where Christ was born, thorns from Christ’s crown of thorns, and fragments of the cross on which Christ was crucified.

The basilica was built in the 4th century but apart from the original granite columns, not much is left of the original church.

It was reconstructed in the 12th century to include a nave and two aisles, as well as a bell tower. The facade was reconstructed in the 18th century and the cathedral now has a Baroque appearance.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Opening Hours: 7.00 a.m. – 12.45 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. (Daily)

20. San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura (St. Lawrence Outside the Walls)

Like the Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura we looked at above, San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura was also built outside the ancient Roman defensive walls and is one of the seven pilgrimage Catholic churches in Rome.

It was founded by Constantine the Great and dedicated to the martyred Roman deacon, St. Lawrence.

The basilica was built on the site where he was executed in the 3rd century and still retains its original form despite being restored and parts of it rebuilt after the World War II bombing.

When it comes to the interior, the basilica is extravagantly decorated. There are multi-colored marble stones on the pulpits, the tabernacle, the bishop’s throne, the Easter candlestick, the tomb of Cardinal Fieschi, and the floor, while Byzantine mosaics from the 6th century adorn the Triumphal Arch.

San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. (Monday – Saturday), 7.45 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Sunday)

21. Chiesa del Gesù (Church of The Gesù)

Chiesa del Gesù is famous, partly because it was the first completely Baroque church built in Rome, and secondly, because it is the head church of the Jesuits (also known as the Society of Jesus) and also their first church in Rome.

It was built between 1568 and 1584 but was only elaborately decorated during the following century.

Inside the church, instead of aisles that are common with other famous churches in Rome, there are small chapels, one of which houses the tomb of the church’s founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The ceiling is painted with a magnificent fresco called The Triumph of the Name of Jesus by Giovanni Battista Gaulli and there is a cupola with even more beautiful frescoes.

Chiesa del Gesù Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. (Monday – Saturday), 7.45 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Sunday)

22. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran)

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano used to be the primary residence of the Pope and remains his official seat to this day, even though he now lives in Vatican City and rarely comes to this church.

It was first built in the 4th century, making it the oldest public church in Rome, but was frequently altered before being almost completely rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Just looking at the church from the outside is an awe-inspiring experience. The facade is adorned with enormous statues such as the 7-meter (23 feet) high statue of Jesus Christ and statues of the 12 apostles.

Inside the church, you will see beautiful frescoes and reliefs adorning the walls, and the altar displays a small wooden table that is believed to have been used by St. Peter during the first Christian Mass. 

San Giovanni in Laterano Opening Hours: 7.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (daily)

23. Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs)

The facade of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is bare, (some might even call it weird for a church) and you could easily walk by without even thinking of going in.

However, the outside hides a beautiful church with massive frescoes and some colored marble columns.

Designed by Michelangelo, it was built in the 16th century in the old frigidarium of the Roman Baths of Diocletian to honor the Christian slaves who died building the baths.

One of the highlights of this church is the Meridian Line which is 45 meters (148 feet) long. It is made of bronze and has marble flooring surrounding it. It works as a calendar and tells when it is noon and when the solstice will arrive.

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri Opening Hours: 7.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. (Daily)

Map of the Most Beautiful Churches in Rome

To help you locate these famous churches in Rome, here is an interactive map!

How to Use this Map: Just click on the church icon on the map above and the location will be displayed on the left side of the screen.

You can choose to either “view on google maps” and save the location for later or you can click on the itinerary arrow to get directions on how to get there.

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Final Thoughts on the Famous Churches in Rome

I hope that I have helped you choose the churches and basilicas to visit during your time in Rome.

These famous churches of Rome not only show spirituality but also the mastery of architecture and design by talented artists.

Many famous painters have left their mark on a number of them to the extent that you will feel that you are visiting a museum.

The best part is that most of them are free so even if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll still be able to enjoy them.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Rome

• Rome Instagram captions
• Instagram captions for Italy
• Rome bucket list
• Best things to do in Rome at night
• Famous piazzas in Rome
• Where to get the best views of Rome
• Best museums in Rome

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