Most Visited Churches in Rome

In ancient times, Rome was heavy tourism, all because of its incredible churches, which forced not only believers but also travel enthusiasts to make difficult journeys around the world just to get to know the famous churches in Rome. There are 900 churches in Rome. If you want to visit the most impressive churches in Rome with an expert guide and private transportation, check out the list below of the most popular churches in Rome, with a guaranteed highlight of the trip for any pilgrim or art lover. From here you will receive all the important information about churches to visit in Rome.

1. San Giovanni in Laterano

If you are looking for an official Roman cathedral, this is the destination for you! This cathedral is the crowned seat of the bishop of Rome. It also belongs to the four great basilicas in Rome, built in the 4th century AD and is believed to be one of the first Catholic churches in Rome. It now features several Baroque-style works of art and architecture, with restorations from the 16th and 17th centuries. Don’t judge by its façade, it may not be as impressive, but the interiors are more interesting with paintings, columns, patchwork and sculptures adorning every inch of the ornate Roman church. An unmissable place for these Roman pilgrims are the column paintings of Giotto, today it is one of the main Roman pilgrim churches in the country.

2. Santa Maria in Trastevere

All the lists of the most popular churches in Rome cannot be complete without Santa Maria in Trastevere. It was built around 350 BC during the 4th century. You will find several renovated places as this church II. It was rebuilt by Pope Innocent, a native of Trastevere, in the 12th century and today boasts impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. Two rows of 22 large columns lead up to the nave, much of which was stolen from ancient Roman temples or baths, and the altar is covered with vivid beautiful mosaics. Not to be missed is this picturesque Roman church.

3. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

This church got its name from the place where it was built above the ruins of the temple of Minerva under the goddess of ancient wisdom (sopra). Today’s Basilica sits on the ruins of three ancient Roman temples, namely the Roman goddess Minerva, the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Greek-Egyptian god Serapis. In addition to its stunning location, it is one of the best churches in Rome thanks to its pilgrims and architecture, which can never be admired by travelers. This church was built by the Dominicans in the 13th century and is, therefore, part of some of the Gothic churches in Rome. Enjoy the deepest blue vaulted ceiling of this famous landmark for just € 1, illuminating the Cappella Carafa, where Filippino Lippi’s frescoes are among the 15th-century frescoes. You can also see the statue of Michelangelo and the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena, Italy’s number one patron saint.

4. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

It is one of the largest churches in Rome, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is full of valuable artifacts as every centimeter of this famous Roman church seems to be part of the history of religion. The facade of the church has a typical baroque architectural design. It is also one of the oldest churches in Rome, built around 440. The best examples of the long history of the church include the 5th century patchwork of the triumphal arch above the main altar and the walls of the nave. Because it was not remodeled or rebuilt like the other great basilicas in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore is Rome’s best example of an early Christian basilica.

5. San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura

Constantine built this church outside the walls of the Basilica, so it is not exactly one of the most popular churches in Rome. It is still the sanctuary of the saint, St. Stephen and St. Justin. The church dates back to the 6th century and welcomes magnificent Byzantine patches from the era depicting Christ and the saints. 13th century art paintings beautifully decorate the exterior of the church. While the tomb of St. Lawrence is the “Stone of St. Lawrence,” where there is a stained marble slab after which the sacred body was laid down. The Basilica has been funded by every pope since its construction and has transformed the small sanctuary into the largest religious complex, right in front of the walls of Rome. It is an important place of worship and a place of Roman pilgrimage.