Discover the Basilicas of Rome with Us

St. Peter’s Basilica is the heart of the Catholic world and one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. Built over the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope, it stands as the largest church in Christendom and a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque art. The basilica’s construction involved legendary artists such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, whose works shaped its majestic dome, colonnade, and interior treasures. Inside, visitors can admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, the ornate Papal Altar, and the soaring dome that offers panoramic views of Rome from the top. The square in front, designed by Bernini, welcomes pilgrims and tourists alike, creating an unforgettable setting for papal ceremonies. As a symbol of faith, art, and history, St. Peter’s Basilica is not only a place of worship but also a must-see destination for anyone exploring Rome. Entry to the church is free, though access to the dome requires a ticket. Modest dress is required, and early morning visits are recommended to avoid long lines.

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome and a jewel of Christian art and devotion. Founded in the 5th century, it is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, it was built after a miraculous summer snowfall on the Esquiline Hill, an event still celebrated each year on August 5 with a symbolic shower of white petals. The basilica is renowned for its splendid 5th-century mosaics, among the oldest in the city, which depict biblical scenes with vivid colors and striking detail. Its golden coffered ceiling, said to be gilded with the first gold brought from the Americas, and the majestic Borghese Chapel add to the church’s artistic treasures. Inside, visitors will also find important relics, including fragments of the Holy Crib, housed beneath the high altar. Santa Maria Maggiore remains a place of worship and pilgrimage, while also offering tourists a breathtaking journey through early Christian, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art. Entry is free, and its central location makes it easily accessible during a tour of the city.

The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, making it the most important church in Christendom after St. Peter’s. Known as the “Mother of all Churches”, it was originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and has been rebuilt and enriched over the centuries. The basilica’s majestic façade, designed by Alessandro Galilei in the 18th century, introduces visitors to an interior filled with treasures: towering statues of the Apostles, magnificent Baroque decorations, and a richly adorned papal altar. The Lateran complex also includes the famous Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), believed to have been brought from Jerusalem and ascended by Christ during his Passion, a destination of devotion for pilgrims. As Rome’s cathedral, San Giovanni in Laterano combines deep spiritual significance with artistic grandeur. Entry is free, and guided tours are available for those who wish to explore its history in more detail. Its central location makes it an essential stop for both pilgrims and visitors eager to experience the religious heart of the Eternal City.

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome and the second largest after St. Peter’s. It was built on the site of the Apostle Paul’s tomb, making it a place of profound spiritual importance and a major destination for pilgrims. The original church, founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, was rebuilt in the 19th century after a devastating fire, faithfully preserving its ancient majesty. Visitors are struck by its vast nave lined with 80 monolithic columns, the shimmering golden mosaics above the apse, and the peaceful medieval cloister, one of the finest in Rome. Along the walls, medallions display the portraits of all the Popes, creating a unique visual link to the history of the Church. St. Paul Outside the Walls offers a quieter, more contemplative experience compared to the central basilicas, with serene gardens and a less crowded atmosphere. Entry is free, though access to the cloister requires a small ticket. For tourists and pilgrims alike, this basilica provides a moving encounter with both history and faith.

The Basilica of San Clemente is one of the most fascinating churches in Rome, famous for its unique “layers of history.” Located near the Colosseum, it offers visitors a journey through nearly two millennia of faith and architecture. The current 12th-century basilica stands above a 4th-century church, which itself was built over a Roman house and a Mithraic temple. Exploring these underground levels, visitors can literally walk through history. The upper basilica features stunning medieval mosaics, including the celebrated Tree of Life in the apse, and beautiful frescoes that enrich the sacred atmosphere. The lower levels reveal early Christian art as well as pagan cult remains, making the site a rare example of Rome’s religious and cultural transformation over time. San Clemente is less crowded than the Papal Basilicas, offering a more intimate and contemplative visit. Entry to the main church is free, while access to the underground archaeological areas requires a ticket. For tourists seeking a deeper connection with Rome’s layered past, this basilica is an absolute must.

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, dating back to the 4th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. Located in the heart of the lively Trastevere district, it is famous for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its dazzling mosaics. Tradition holds that the church stands on the spot where a miraculous spring of oil gushed from the ground on the day of Christ’s birth. Inside, visitors are captivated by the golden mosaics in the apse, masterpieces of medieval art that depict the Virgin Mary enthroned with Christ, as well as scenes from her life by Pietro Cavallini. The interior also features graceful columns, a richly decorated coffered ceiling, and chapels filled with Renaissance and Baroque artworks. Santa Maria in Trastevere is a vibrant blend of spirituality and neighborhood life: the square in front is a popular gathering spot, making the basilica an ideal place to experience both Rome’s religious heritage and its authentic local charm. Entry is free, and an evening visit is especially enchanting when the mosaics glow under soft lighting.

he Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, or St. Peter in Chains, is a hidden gem just a short walk from the Colosseum. Founded in the 5th century, it was built to house the precious relic of the chains that, according to tradition, bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem and Rome. These chains are displayed beneath the high altar, making the church a place of great devotion. The basilica is also world-famous for one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces: the monumental statue of Moses, part of the unfinished tomb of Pope Julius II. This striking sculpture alone makes the visit worthwhile. Despite its simple exterior, the church’s interior is filled with history, art, and spirituality. San Pietro in Vincoli offers visitors an intimate atmosphere, far less crowded than other Roman basilicas, yet rich with treasures that connect faith, art, and legend. Entry is free, making it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the Eternal City

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is one of the most unique churches in Rome, built inside the ancient ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. Commissioned in the 16th century by Pope Pius IV, it was designed by Michelangelo, who brilliantly transformed the vast Roman halls into a Christian place of worship while preserving their monumental scale. The basilica impresses visitors with its grand dimensions, soaring vaults, and a sense of timelessness that blends Roman engineering with Renaissance genius. Inside, it houses the Meridian Line, an 18th-century scientific instrument created by Francesco Bianchini to measure time and track the movement of the sun, making the church not only a place of faith but also of science and discovery. Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri continues to be a setting for important state ceremonies in Italy. Its central location near Termini Station makes it easy to reach, and entry is free. For tourists, it offers a striking experience of Rome’s ability to unite the ancient, the sacred, and the scientific under one magnificent roof.

The Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is one of Rome’s most charming churches, dedicated to the patron saint of music. Founded in the 5th century, it stands on the site of Saint Cecilia’s house and burial. Inside, visitors admire the famous statue of the saint by Stefano Maderno, lying as if asleep after martyrdom. The apse is adorned with stunning 9th-century mosaics commissioned by Pope Paschal I. The crypt preserves ancient remains and offers a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, or Holy Cross in Jerusalem, is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and a site of profound devotion. Founded in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, it was built to house relics of Christ’s Passion brought from Jerusalem, including fragments of the True Cross, thorns from the Crown, and a nail from the Crucifixion. Over the centuries, the basilica has been rebuilt and embellished, combining medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, the Chapel of Relics, and the richly decorated apse, which continues to inspire faith and reverence. Santa Croce in Gerusalemme remains an essential stop for pilgrims, especially during the Holy Week, when the Passion relics are venerated. For tourists, it offers a more intimate experience compared to the larger Papal Basilicas, allowing time for reflection and discovery. Entry is free, and its location near San Giovanni in Laterano makes it easy to include in a walking tour of Rome’s sacred sites.

The Basilica of Santa Sabina is one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Rome, built between 422 and 432 AD on the Aventine Hill. Known for its austere elegance, the church preserves much of its original structure, including the beautiful wooden doors, which feature the oldest surviving Christian relief carvings. Inside, visitors are struck by the simplicity and harmony of the nave, lined with tall columns and a serene atmosphere that invites reflection. The basilica also offers a panoramic view of Rome from the Aventine gardens nearby, making it a perfect combination of spiritual and scenic experience. Santa Sabina is an active church, home to the Dominican order, and maintains its peaceful, contemplative character. Entry is free, and the basilica provides a quiet escape from the more crowded tourist areas, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural heritage of early Christian Rome.

The Church of the Gesù is the mother church of the Jesuit order and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Built in the late 16th century, it was designed to inspire devotion through grandeur and artistic brilliance. Its façade, with classical pilasters and a dramatic central pediment, sets the tone for the stunning interior. Inside, visitors are captivated by the rich decoration, including frescoes by Giovanni Battista Gaulli (known as Baciccio) on the ceiling, depicting the Triumph of the Name of Jesus. The church’s opulent stucco work, gilded altars, and chapels exemplify the Jesuit focus on theatricality and spiritual engagement through art. The Gesù continues to be an active place of worship, while also welcoming tourists who want to admire its historical and artistic significance. Located near Piazza Venezia, it is easily accessible and offers a striking example of how Baroque Rome blends faith, art, and architecture. Entry is free, making it a must-see for visitors interested in religious art and history.

The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is Rome’s main Gothic church and a rare example of Gothic architecture in the Eternal City. Built in the 13th century over the ruins of a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Minerva, its name literally means “St. Mary above Minerva.” Inside, visitors can admire stunning Renaissance and Baroque art, including Michelangelo’s famous statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo della Minerva) and the tombs of important historical figures such as Saint Catherine of Siena. The basilica’s high altar, beautiful frescoes, and intricate chapels offer a blend of spiritual devotion and artistic mastery. Located near the Pantheon, Santa Maria sopra Minerva is easy to reach and provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling historic center. Entry is free, and the church is a must-visit for those interested in Gothic architecture, Renaissance sculpture, and the layered history of Rome.

The Basilica of Santa Agnese fuori le Mura is an important early Christian church, built over the burial site of Saint Agnes, a young martyr of the 4th century. The church was originally founded in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and later rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, preserving its spiritual significance and architectural charm. Inside, visitors can admire the Romanesque and Baroque elements, including beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and the crypt that houses the relics of Saint Agnes. The basilica is part of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, making it a significant stop for both pilgrims and tourists interested in Christian history. Located along the ancient Via Nomentana, the church offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere away from the busy city center. Entry is free, allowing visitors to experience the historical and spiritual heritage of early Christian Rome.

The Basilica of Sant’Agostino in Campo Marzio is a beautiful Renaissance church located in the historic heart of Rome. Built in the late 15th century, it is dedicated to Saint Augustine and is renowned for its rich artistic heritage. Inside, visitors can admire works by famous artists such as Caravaggio, whose Madonna dei Pellegrini is housed here, and Raphael, who contributed to the church’s architectural and artistic design. The interior features elegant chapels, frescoes, and sculptures, blending Renaissance artistry with a serene spiritual atmosphere. Sant’Agostino in Campo Marzio offers both tourists and pilgrims a chance to explore Rome’s religious and artistic history in a quieter setting compared to the major papal basilicas. Entry is free, making it accessible for those who wish to admire its masterpieces and contemplate in peace.