Everyone planning to spend their vacation in Rome must not miss adding a few exquisite churches that are also the best representation of art and architecture. When it comes to the churches in Rome and visited by many tourists, there are a few prevalent ones. You must have heard of The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Peter’s Basilica, etc. However, various churches are pretty unnoticed, and we believe that it’s highly unfair to them. These churches are not just the holy place of worship, but when you look closely, they are also magnificent in terms of history and art. Most of these churches’ walls and ceilings are adorned by renowned artists such as Filippino Lippi, Bernini, and Caravaggio. To ease everything out for you, we have compiled a list that will be pretty helpful to you in planning the itinerary. Rome also boasts of the world’s most dramatic and monumental Church, St. Peter’s Basilica. If you ask for an approximate total number of churches in this city, it crosses the mark of 900.
Rome Top 5 Churches You Must Visit
San Giovanni
You might be surprised to know that San Giovanni is the church that is officially Rome’s cathedral. Many people believe that it’s St. Peter’s. It is also the seat of Rome’s bishop, the Pope. Going by history, San Giovanni is considered the first catholic church built in Rome, somewhere around the 4th century AD. Before you get your hopes high, you must know that the natural calamities over time have left very little of the original structure. The 16th and 17th-century restoration works have now transformed it into more of a Baroque style.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
Many visitors have overlooked this hidden gem in the city of Rome, and the architecture and the interiors are no less than a treasure to an art lover. There are seven chapels in this monumental church, and each chapel portrays a few exemplary art pieces by the Renaissance artists. These artists are Raphael, Bernini, Pinturicchio, etc. A few theories prevail around, and it is believed that this basilica was constructed in 1099 to chase away the conviction that there is a ghost of Emperor Nero.
The Basilica of San Clemente
This basilica is named after the third catholic pope, St. Clement. It is located near the Colosseum and the church carries a high value in terms of archaeology. You will be surprised to know that San Clemente was constructed in the 12th century. Before the church, there was a 4th-century church that was built upon a pagan temple that was built around the 1st century. All three sites can be visited by you today without any hassle. There is also a shrine for god Mithras of Persia.
Basilica di Sant’Agostino
This basilica is named after the third catholic Pope, St. Clement. It is located near the Colosseum, and the church carries a high value in terms of archaeology. You will be surprised to know that San Clemente was constructed in the 12th century. Before the church, there was a 4th-century church built upon a pagan temple built around the 1st century. All three sites can be visited by you today without any hassle. There is also a shrine for the god Mithras of Persia.
Basilica Di Sant Agostino
The Pantheon
Primitively, the Pantheon was built by pagans, however, around the time period of the 7th century, it was transformed into a catholic church and is also in use as a church, as of today. The church also organizes Mass that anyone can visit on Sundays. If we talk about the best-preserved buildings, the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs will come on the top. The Pantheon is also known by this name. The architecture here is possibly in its best shape as it was 14-centuries ago.