Come to Italy’s capital city and visit the top 10 churches to see in Rome. As you set foot in Rome, you will feel the rich Catholic history as well as the devoutness of the locals and the tourists who visit the numerous churches found in every section of the city. Everyone is welcome to enter these sacred churches – some offer prayers while others marvel at the intricate interiors and the architecture. Catholic or not, tourists should see all the beautiful churches in Rome to get to know the culture of the city better.
Excited to hear the words “Benvenuti a Roma?” Hold your horses because you need to make sure that you have a Schengen Visa to be allowed entry to Italy. Applying for a Schengen Visa is so easy to do! You just need to complete the following requirements and you’ll be ready to roll!
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- A couple of passport-sized photos with white background
- Proof of Travel – Tourists may opt to get a Flight Reservation for Visa or Hotel Booking for Visa without having to pay the actual ticket or hotel reservation.
- Travel Insurance – Tourists may acquire a more affordable and reliable travel insurance from Schengen Travel Insurance.
- Personal Covering Letter
- Financial documents, and
- Schengen Visa application form
Top 10 Churches to See in Rome:
Roman Catholicism is one of the most practiced religion with over 1.2 billion members. The origin of this religion is traced back to Rome; thus the name “Roman” Catholic. Rome has been witness to the growth and development of this religion and its involvement is attributed to the settlement of Paul, one of the 12 apostles, who established the Catholic Church and Papacy in Rome. Since then, hundreds of churches emerged in and around Rome.
10) Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano
Start your Catholic Church pilgrimage by visiting the Basilica of San Clemente. Constructed in the 12th century, Basilica of San Clemente is a true testament to Rome’s religious past.
The basilica’s structure actually stands above the remains of a 4th century church which likewise stands on top of a 1st century pagan temple. The three tiers of this minor basilica immediately tells the story of the victorious overturning of paganism and the dominance of Christianity.
9) Santa Maria della Pace
Located near Piazza Navona, Santa Maria della Pace is a 15th century structure that was built over an existing church dedicated to St. Andrew the Apostle.
The church was rebuilt and rededicated to Mother Mary due to a miraculous event that even Pope Sixtus IV witnessed. According to the locals, a drunken man who lost in gambling threw a fit and stuck a knife against the image of the Virgin installed in the old St. Andrew’s Church. The image bled real blood which brought thousands of devout including the pope. Because of the miracle of the Virgin, the pope established a new church and replaced the old and named it after Virgin Mary.
The church is quite difficult to find so do ask the locals where the miraculous Mary is near the Piazza Navona.
8) Pantheon
Continue your top 10 churches to see in Rome pilgrimage by visiting Pantheon. Just by the sound of its name, one will immediately deduce that this structure is not Catholic-sounding – and it is true.
The Pantheon used to be a pagan temple that was transformed into a Catholic Church. The term “pantheon” comes from a Greek origin which means “all of the gods,” which proves the existence of paganism in Italy.
7) Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
This Augustinian church sits within the famous Piazza del Popolo, a real tourist haven. Many tourists flock to this church to personally see and appreciate the artworks of famous Renaissance painters and sculptors like Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio.
Go inside the church to see the oldest stained glass artwork installed in the church’s apse. Also, visit the numerous little chapels or nooks inside the church and all the old sculptures and paintings of saints. Finally, look for the Chigi Chapel’s gold dome and see the artworks of Raphael.
6) Santa Maria de Trastevere
Do not end your Roman pilgrimage without seeing Santa Maria de Trastevere. This church is probably the oldest religious structure in Rome and the first Catholic Church to have openly celebrated holy mass to the public. This is also the first church to have been dedicated to the Virgin.
See the interior of the church and you will be brought back to the 1st century. Count all 22 gigantic pillars following the Ionic design supporting the huge ceiling of the church. Appreciate the giant mosaic of 12th century artist Cavallini who dedicated his work to the Life of Mary. Finally, go outside and look for the images of Madonna and the Child.
5) Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
One may wonder why Santa Maria Sopra Minerva belongs to the top 10 churches to see in Rome list – the church’s façade is so plain that a lot of tourists just walk past it without knowing that it is a church. Do not make the same mistake as others do. Go inside the only Gothic church in Rome and you’ll see what makes it worth the visit.
Built in the 1200s, this church stands on what used to be a temple dedicated to a goddess named Minerva. Although the structure of the old temple where the church stands is no longer existent, inside the church some of relics of the temple can still be seen. Walk to the left side of the church and witness the beauty of a sculpture created by Michelangelo. Finally, go to the Carafa Chapel and visit the tomb of Paul IV.
4) Basilica di Sant’ Agostino
A minor basilica built in the 15th century, Basilica di Sant’ Agostino is located in Campo Marzio near Piazza Navona. This church boasts its Renaissance architecture with a layout plan patterned after the Latin cross.
The interior of the church has ten smaller chapels along its side. Each chapel is dedicated to one of the twelve apostles however due to recent renovations, 2 chapels were converted to side entrances making foot traffic more manageable.
3) Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The largest basilica in Rome devoted to Mother Mary, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most historic structures in the city.
The structure where this major basilica stands was constructed in the 4th century during the Byzantine Empire. The original façade of the old temple was covered and redesigned; however the inside of the church still has the remnants of the distant past. Tourists go inside the basilica to get a glimpse of 5th century mosaics featuring scenes from the Old Testament.
2) San Carlino
Formally known as San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, San Carlino is probably the smallest Baroque churches in Rome. Despite its humble size, San Carlino has a lot of wonderful sights to offer making it in the top 10 churches to see in Rome list.
What makes this church unique compared to the others in the list is its powder white interiors which allows the altar and the paintings to stand out. Even the oval-shaped dome is powder white exposing the focal point which is like a golden crown. Everything about this church is refreshing to the eyes and cleansing to the soul.
1) St. Peter’s Basilica
If you have not visited the St. Peter’s Basilica, it is as if you’ve never been to Rome. This basilica is actually the heart of the papal office and the Vatican City – a separate nation overseen by the pope.
All historic papal masses are celebrate at St. Peter’s Basilica making it one of the most visited churches in the world. This iconic Catholic structure is home to the tomb of St. Peter, the first Catholic pope and one of the 12 apostles of Christ. Artist, Michelangelo, played a huge role in the completion of the basilica, from the design to the artworks.
Top 10 Churches to See in Rome – Arrivederci!
Before you start your Roman pilgrimage, make sure you have already secured a Schengen visa to be allowed entry in Italy. While there are some citizens that are exempted from this visa, you may need to apply for one. If Italy is the only country you’re venturing to or if you plan to visit other European countries as well, it will be handy to know the other Schengen countries so you will know what kind of Schengen Visa to apply for. To learn more about Schengen Visa application, you may contact us through our website or leave us a message via WhatsApp (1+224-656-4761).
Have a blessed time as you visit the top 10 churches to see in Rome!
