Rome, Italy
Churches in Rome
If you aren’t familiar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of
any one of these. You’ll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from
fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Please note that some churches
in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find
“fashion police” at Rome’s most visited churches – near the front
doors of St Peter’s, St Paul Outside the Walls, and often Sta Maria Maggiore
and San Giovanni in Laterano. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially
not allowed. However, long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should
be no problem. The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling
inexpensive scarves. Few other churches in Rome enforce dress codes. You can
wander into lesser known churches like Sant’Ivo and Sta Maria in Trastevere
wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems.
It is, however, good to keep one’s dress tasteful, as these are still churches
and houses of prayer for many people.
St. Pietro – St Peter’s – where the Pope resides. Long queues for entry,
said to be the finest church on the planet.
San Carlo alla Quattro Fontane – a very small and beautiful church, the first
design commission of Francesco Borromini.
Sant’ Ivo della Sapienza – This little church is hard to find but well worth
the extra effort. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually
visible from the street, as one must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to
reach the church. Sant’Ivo is a small church shaped like the Star of David,
with an amazing star-shaped dome and whimsical steeple.
Santa Maria del Popolo – with a couple of paintings by Caravaggio: “The
Crucifixion of Saint Peter” and “The Conversion of Saint Paul”
San Luigi dei Francesi – This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona
and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three
Caravaggio masterworks: “The Calling of St. Matthew”, “St. Matthew
and the Angel” and “Martyrdom of St. Matthew”
Sant’Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona – This lovely basilica church is small
with an almost circular interior. It is undergoing rehabilitation and the facade
and dome are hidden in scaffolding. It seems to be open only until noon.
San Giovanni in Laterano – this is the cathedral church of Rome and first
of the major basilicas. It’s also the Pope’s (as Bishop of Rome) Church. Be
sure to check out the fourth century baptistry (still in use) and the medieval
cloister.
Santa Maria Maggiore – This ancient basilica crowns the top of the Esquiline
Hill. Tons of gold decorate the interior.
San Paolo fuori le Mura – also known as St Paul’s Outside the Walls. This
is on the outskirts of Rome in an otherwise drab modern neighborhood. The church
is a faithful reconstruction of the ancient basilica which burned down in the
early 1800s. Don’t miss the medieval cloister, which survived the fire.
S. Passera Even though it isn’t worth a trip, this church can be a interesting
deviation if you live or pass through its neighbourhood. This church is believed
to be the grave of the Saints Ciro and Giovanni, killed during the time of the
Emperor Diocletian. The church is now know as Saint Passera because of the several
changes its name has undergone. The oringal name was Abba Cyrus and through
Appaciro and then Appacero finally it got Pacera, that’s very close to today’s
Passera. The building on top is a 3rd century building still visible in the
lower floor and in the underground. The main part of the building dates back
to the IX century as the frescoes on the higher floor. Some of th frescoes are
too spoiled to be enjoyed, but some of them have recently been restored and
depict the Saints Paolo, Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giovanni Evangelista
in the vault and Our Lady together with Jesus, Saints Giacomo and Antonio and
the Archangel Michele in the apse. Downstairs there is a small quadrangular
room and the underground, where the rest of the two Saints should be. Frescoes
in these floor date back to XIV century but are almost completely ruined, but
in the underground there are still visible III century traces of Roman age frescoes;
in front of the stair you can enjoy a small bird, the Justice, and an athlete
while in the vault some eight apex stars. Bus 128,780,781,775 (first stop in
Via della Magliana)
San Clemente – a great little cathedral to visit, with an excavated older
church below and a pagan temple below that. The only place in Rome to hear the
underground river that flows beneath the city. Very close to the Colosseum.
Santa Maria in Trastevere – one of the oldest churches in the city. The nave
is lined with a mismatched collection of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings.
The apse is covered in gold mosaics from the 13th century, arguably the finest
mosaics in the city.
Santa Maria degli Angeli – this church was built inside the former baths of
Diocletian. Very light and airy inside. Note the unusual art on the outside
doors.
San Pietro in Vincoli – The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a
case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo.
It’s close to the Colosseum, but a little hard to find
Santissima Trinità dei Monti – up above the Spanish Steps
Santa Maria in Aracoeli – Ballroom-like church which crowns part of the Capitoline
Hill. Don’t be fooled by the plain stone exterior
Santa Maria alla Minerva – This church is literally right behind the Pantheon.
It is Rome’s only gothic church, and well worth seeing, although its plain square
façade makes it look inconspicuous.
Il Gesù – not far from Piazza Venezia. The interior is Baroque art
on steroids. Simply astounding.
Sant’Ignazio – Not far from the Pantheon. A stunning example of Baroque art.
The ceiling frescoes are especially fine, including a trompe l’oeuil dome.
Capuchin Monastery – On Via Veneto, right by Piazza Barberini. The crypt of
the church contains a macabre display – a series of chapels decorated with the
bones of thousands of dead monks. The bones are glued to the walls and ceilings
in bizarre and striking decorations.