Rome, a city steeped in history, culture and spirituality, is home to some of the most magnificent churches in the world. These architectural marvels are not only places of worship, but repositories of history, art and faith. In this article we will explore the 10 must-see Catholic churches in Rome, focusing on their architectural importance, the main works of art they house and the relics of saints they contain.
The Catholic Mass Times app will help you a lot when you are looking for Mass, Adoration, and Confession times in the different Churches in Rome. These 10 Catholic churches have an inexplicable beauty that elevates the soul to worship God, either for their beauty, for the art that is located in them, or for the relics of saints they contain.
St. Peter’s Basilica
- Architectural Importance: Built in the 16th century, St. Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of the Renaissance. Designed by legendary architects including Michelangelo and Bramante, it is the largest church in the world and a symbol of the Catholic Church.
- Art Pieces: The Basilica houses Michelangelo’s Pietà, an impressive sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus. The impressive dome designed by Michelangelo is a marvel of engineering and art as well.
- Main Relics: The church is believed to be the burial place of St. Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the first Pope, making it a site of immense religious importance.
- Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
2. St. Paul Outside the Walls
- Architectural Importance: This imposing basilica was rebuilt in the 19th century after a devastating fire, and its architecture reflects the splendor of the early Christian style.
- Art Pieces: The interior is adorned with mosaics illustrating all the popes, providing a unique perspective of the history of the Church.
- Main Relics: The basilica is said to house the tomb of the Apostle Paul, which makes it a site of great veneration.
- Location: Piazzale San Paolo, 1a, 00146 Roma RM, Italy
3. Santa Maria Maggiore
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- Architectural Importance: This basilica, one of the oldest in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is famous for its elegant combination of architectural styles, including early Christian and Baroque elements.
- Art Pieces: Highlights include its 5th century mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament, one of the earliest and most important Christian artistic representations.
- Main Relics: The basilica houses what are said to be relics from the manger of Jesus, making it a very important place of pilgrimage.
- Location: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy
4. Saint John Lateran
- Architectural Importance: Known as the ‘Cathedral of Rome’, this basilica built in the 4th century combines both Gothic and Baroque architectural elements.
- Art Pieces: It has an impressive 13th century cloister and a beautiful façade completed in the 18th century. Inside, the statues of the twelve apostles are a highlight.
- Main Relics: Here are the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, considered some of the most sacred relics of the Catholic Church.
- Location: P.za di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
5. Santa Maria in Via
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- Architectural Importance: A lesser known but significant church, noted for its baroque architecture and beautiful façade.
- Art Pieces: The church is known for its miraculous well, with a 13th century icon of the Madonna.
- Main Relics: It is famous for the “Madonna del Pozzo”, an image that overflowed from the miraculous well that still stands inside the church. This has a deep spiritual significance for the faithful, who can drink from this water if the friars are present.
- Location: Via del Mortaro, 24, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
6. San Salvatore in Lauro
- Architectural Importance: Known for its elegant baroque style, the church has a rich history dating back to medieval times.
- Art Pieces: It has several beautiful chapels and works of art, including the painting of San Salvatore.
- Main Relics: The church contains the arm of St. Jude and relics associated with St. Giovanni Nepomuceno.
- Location: Piazza di S. Salvatore in Lauro, 15, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
7. Santa Maria del Popolo
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Architectural Importance: A Renaissance church located in Piazza del Popolo, known for its architectural design and the Chigi Chapel designed by Raphael.
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Art Pieces: It houses works by Caravaggio, including the Crucifixion of St. Peter and the Conversion of St. Paul.
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Main Relics: It is said to have been built over the tomb of Emperor Nero, with a history full of exorcisms and legends.
8. Santa Passede
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- Architectural Importance: Known for its Byzantine mosaics.
- Art Pieces: It houses the famous Chapel of San Zeno.
- Main Relics: Contains a fragment of the column on which Jesus was scourged.
- Location: Via di Santa Prassede, 9/a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
9. San Pietro in Vincoli
- Architectural Importance: Recognized for its architecture and art.
- Art Pieces: It houses the famous statue of Moses by Michelangelo.
- Main Relics: Known for preserving the chains of St. Peter.
- Location: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
10. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
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- Architectural Importance: The only example of original Gothic church construction in Rome.
- Art Pieces: It features frescoes by Filippino Lippi.
- Main Relics: Contains the body of St. Catherine of Siena and the forearm of St. Thomas Aquinas.
- Location: Piazza della Minerva, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Each of these churches, from the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica to the artistic splendor of Santa Maria on Minerva, tells a unique story of faith, art, and history. They are not only architectural marvels, but symbols of the rich cultural tapestry that is Rome. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace, artistic inspiration, or historical enlightenment, these Catholic churches in Rome are essential visits on your trip through the Eternal City.
