Exploring The Great Churches of Rome One Altar At A Time

With almost 1,000 churches in Rome, a first time visitor might be overwhelmed without a plan of attack and our guide will help you decide where to start.

Rome is home to some of the most breathtaking churches in the world. From grand basilicas to hidden chapels, each church tells a story of history, art, and faith. Whether you are one of the faithful, a history buff or an art enthusiast, Rome’s churches offer an unparalleled experience. 

Many of these houses of worship contain masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and Caravaggio while others offer quiet sanctuaries away from the city’s bustling streets. Many of these masterpieces are still In Sitù, which means “in place” or “on site”. In other words, this is how the artist had intended on their work being enjoyed.

In this guide, we are going to call out some of the most unique, hidden and art-filled churches in Rome. Apart from a passing mention of the St. Peter’s Basilica, the 7 Pilgrim Churches of Rome, which are some of the largest and most important basilicas, will be separated out into their own article: “The Seven Pilgrim Churches Of Rome Are A Way To Connect.” 

For deeper insights, directions, hours and additional information that will help you with your travel plans, check out the linked articles that provide detailed explorations of specific churches.

What To Know When Visiting These Churches

Iconic Rome Churches Every Visitor Must See

With so many options available to you, making a decision on where to start might be difficult. However, there are a few churches that you definitely will need to see on your first trip to Rome.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome visitors need to include exploring Vatican City as part of their itinerary and our complete guides show why, when and how much.

No visit to Rome is complete without stepping into St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. As the heart of Catholicism, it stands as a symbol of the faith and is filled with artistic grandeur. Designed by Michelangelo, Bramante and Bernini, this basilica boasts the magnificent dome that dominates the Roman skyline. Inside, visitors can marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s elaborate Baldachin, and the tomb of St. Peter himself.

Vatican City And St. Peter’s Basilica FAQs

1. Is It A City Or A Country? Despite having the word City in its name, it is in fact an independent, sovereign state.
2. Is It The Smallest Country In The World? Yes, it is the smallest country in the world in both population and area.
3. Who Lives There And Can I Live In Vatican City? The Vatican City Population in 2022 is about 800, which consists of the clergy who run the city, and the Swiss Guards who defend the city. Unless you are one of those two groups, you will not be allowed to live within the city walls.
4. What Is The Currency Of Vatican City? Italy and Vatican City signed a contract allowing the Vatican to use the euro as its official currency despite not being a member of the EU.
5. What Is The Official Language Of Vatican City? Italian is the official language of Vatican City and their official newspaper is published in Italian, English, French, German, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.

For more information on St. Peter’s Basilica, check out these supporting articles: 

• “The Seven Pilgrim Churches Of Rome Are A Way To Connect.”
• “The Nativity Scene At The Vatican Is An Inspiring Site.”

The Pantheon

Originally a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods, the Pantheon was later converted into a Catholic church and to this day is continuing to have weekly services open to all faithful. The first version of the Pantheon, which was started in 27 BC and completed in 17 BC, burned to ground. 

The exact form of the Pantheon is debated because of the destruction of everything except for the façade. It was rebuilt under Emperor Domitian in 80 AD, but it burned down a second time in 110 AD. The third version of this temple was built in 127 AD under the reign of Hadrian. The structure of the building was wood, which is why it was able to burn down repeatedly.

The most striking feature inside the Pantheon Oculus. Symbolizing a pathway to the heavens, this circular hole is at the center of the dome and the only source of natural light in the interior. It is open to the weather, which helps to keep it cool and well ventilated. There is drainage built into the floor with a 12 inch incline for rain to drain out.

Read more about the Pantheon here: “Inside The Pantheon: What You Will See When You Visit”.

San Clemente

San Clemente in Rome, Italy is a basilica near the Colosseum that is worth a visit because of the unique layers of history that have lasted for centuries. The top (present) level is the Roman basilica of San Clemente and it was built in the year 1100 AD. The next level down, on which the basilica was built, is a 4th century basilica built in a home that had previously been a church as well. 

This had been built on top of a villa from the times of the Roman Republic and had been destroyed during the Great Fire of Rome that occurred in 64 AD. There are varying accounts of this fire because although there were motivations and accusations that Emperor Nero had started the fires so that he could rebuild Rome in his image, he accused the Christian community, which was at the time a religious minority that was in conflict with Roman paganism. This would lead to an increase in persecution of Christians.

Discover more about its fascinating past in this article: “San Clemente In Rome Is A Basilica With Layers Of History”.

Santo Stefano Rotondo

Unlike most Roman churches, Santo Stefano Rotondo is circular in shape. Its haunting frescoes depict the martyrdom of saints in graphic detail, making it a unique site for those interested in early Christian art.

Each of these graphic frescoes depict violent scenes from the time of the early church, a scene of blood-letting that unfolds around the vast circular space of the basilica in a series. Captions under each image explain who is who, which violent act we are enjoying and whose body we are watching being torn apart before our eyes.

I enjoy finding these hidden gems when I travel around Rome because it adds so much more depth to my understanding of the sites that are around every corner. This travel gem is in the heart of Rome and close to the Colosseum. Its circular layout is a symbol of totality and harmon and has been described as “a reminder of the cosmic wonder and the order of creation.” 

We have more information about Santo Stefano Rotondo in this article: “The Santo Stefano Rotondo Church In Rome Must Be Seen”.

Hidden Gems

Some of these churches are less known and others are popular because of their importance or art collection, so be sure to save time to check out these churches.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Located near the Pantheon, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is one of the few Gothic churches in Rome. Its vibrant blue ceiling and stunning frescoes create a mesmerizing ambiance. This church is also home to Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer.

This church was built above the ruins of a temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis, which is how its name was derived. Sopra, is Italian for above, and Minerva is the Greco-Roman goddess who is the equivalent of the Egyptian goddess Isis. It was common for Greeks to convert the names of foreign gods to their own. 

Learn more about its fascinating history here: “Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Is A Popular Church Not To Miss”.

San Giovanni In Laterano

This cathedral church, which is part of the Diocese of Rome, serves as the seat (think: headquarters) of the bishop of Rome, also known as The Pope. This Rome church is outside of Vatican City, however, as properties of the Vatican, the church and its offices have a unique status from Italy, pursuant to the terms of the Lateran Treaty of 1929. 

For more information on St. John Laterano, check out this supporting article: 

• “The Seven Pilgrim Churches Of Rome Are A Way To Connect.”

The Oldest Church In Rome

The oldest church in Rome is hidden among many more popular ones and finding the oldest church can be difficult to determine, but not with our guide.

While many assume St. Peter’s Basilica is the oldest, another lesser-known church holds that title. Nestled among famous sites, this church has witnessed centuries of transformation. Today the church is a mix of medieval and Baroque artwork, but the apse mosaic that shimmers above the high altar in particular shouldn’t be missed. This is the oldest Christian mosaic in Rome, and it dates from the end of the 4th century. 

Discover which church it is here: “The Oldest Church In Rome Is Hidden Among The Better Known”.

The Smallest Church In Rome

The Madonna dell’Archetto is a small church in Rome and was built in the 19th century and is an amazing contrast to the grand basilicas all around the city. The small church is in the Trevi district and near Piazza Venezia (Via di San Marcello 41b). The official name of the church is “The Church of Santa Maria Causa Nostrae Laetitiae”. For those of us that don’t know Latin, Causa Nostrae Laetitiae means: “The Cause of our Joy”.

Learn more about the charm that comes in such a small package here: “The Beauty Of A Small Church In Rome Must Be Experienced”.

Unique Religious Experiences In Rome

Scala Sancta: The Holy Stairs

The Scala Sancta is a major stop on the Pilgrims Trail and if you visit this site near the Basilica of Saint John in Lateran you could receive your indulgence. For devout Catholics, Scala Sancta (the Holy Stairs) offers a unique pilgrimage experience. These 28 marble steps are believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his trial before Pontius Pilate. Pilgrims ascend them on their knees in prayer.

Read about this sacred journey here: “Scala Sancta Is A Unique Experience For The Faithful”.

The Basilica Of San Saba

Located off the beaten path, but not far from the Pyramid of Cestius, San Saba is a stunning Jesuit basilica with intricate frescoes and an ancient monastic history. The Basilica of San Saba, Rome was one of the most important monasteries in Rome in the Middle Ages. The building stands on a Roman oratory dedicated to Santa Silvia, mother of Pope Gregory the Great, with origins that date back to around the eighth century when a group of monks from the monastery of San Saba in Judea settled in the area.

Discover why it’s worth visiting here: “San Saba, Rome Is A Jesuit Basilica You Need To Explore”.

Santa Maria della Vittoria

This unassuming church is a must if you are a fan of Bernini’s work. Art lovers should not miss Santa Maria della Vittoria, home to Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. This dramatic sculpture captures a mystical vision of the saint with striking realism. 

The church is part of the Carmelite order and has had a brief appearance in the movie based on the Dan Brown novel Angels and Demons. If you’ve seen that movie, it is in the scene where the Cardinal is burned alive.

Learn about this masterpiece here: “The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria In Rome, Italy”.

Santa Maria Della Scala

If you are in the Trastevere district in Rome and you are hunting for some hidden gems, then I have a suggestion for you. The Chiesa Santa Maria della Scala is not only a great place to stop to escape the Roman summer heat, it is also a beautiful church that is next to the Antica Spezieria, which is the first pharmacy in Rome. If you add in a lunch at one of the restaurants that surround this piazza, you can plan an amazing half-day adventure without much walking.

Read more about its history here: “The Church Of Santa Maria Della Scala In Trastevere Awaits”.

Rome’s Religious And Artistic Legacy

The churches of Rome are more than places of worship, they are living museums that showcase centuries of artistic and architectural evolution. From the classical grandeur of St. Peter’s to the medieval charm of hidden chapels, these sacred spaces reveal the city’s rich history.

Whether you seek grand basilicas, hidden sanctuaries, or unique religious experiences, Rome’s churches offer something for everyone. Each visit unveils new layers of history, art, and devotion, making them essential stops for any traveler.