After the four major basilicas described above, here is a selection of ten of the most sublime churches in the city.
Basilica of Saint Clement
This is one of the finest examples which spans the architectural history of the last two millennia of the city.
In fact, the basilica has three superimposed levels: the lowest was built during the Roman Republic, on which an early Christian church was built with outstanding frescoes and subsequently, the present church.It reflects the overall evolution of development, rising by several meters over time showing the change in ground level of the entire city, with buildings built on top of the previous ones.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Characterized by a Byzantine style, the church of the twelfth century was built on top of a shrine from the third century. In crossing its beautiful nave framed by Ionic columns, one proceeds in awe of the choir and its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, where the effects of perspectives emerge, a novelty at the time of their making.
Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Near the Pantheon, Piazza Minerva bears a strange elephant carved by Bernini and carrying an Egyptian obelisk. It is the only truly Gothic church in Rome, although its Romanesque façade does not bode this.With beautiful forms, it also houses a Christ Resurrected by Michelangelo.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
The second Jesuit church of the Order dedicated to its founder was built in the seventeenth century. Particularly baroque, it is remarkable for its perspective frescoes by Andrea Pozzo, with its famous trompe l’oeil dome.
Saint Praxedes in Rome
Built in the ninth century, St. Praxedes is one of the finest expressions of the Byzantine style in the city, with rich and colorful mosaics of an unusual quality and an expressive nature, including those of the choir and Saint Zeno Chapel.It bears a beautiful cosmatesque floor.
Basilica of Santa Sabina
Located on the pleasant and relaxing Aventine Hill, the Basilica of Santa Sabina is perhaps the most beautiful early Christian churches that have survived in Rome.Built in the early fifth century, it is the seat of the Curia of the Order of Preachers. Its vast interior is graceful and of beautiful proportions.
The adjoining the garden of orange trees offers beautiful views of Rome and St. Peter’s dome.
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Dating back to the ninth century this church which houses the relics of St. Cecilia and beautiful sculpture of her is very quiet, located in a tranquil part of Trastevere.It still bears its Middle Age pavement, its apse ninth century frescos, and an interior remodeled in the nineteenth century includes many ancient elements.
St. Agnes Outside the Walls
The St. Agnes Outside the Walls complex in Rome, on Via Nomentana is strongly influenced by early Christian and medieval remains.The site includes the Catacombs of St. Agnes, the fourth century Basilica of Constantine of which remain only the walls, the mausoleum of Saint Constance whose vaults bear remarkable fourth century frescos, and the basilica of Honorius from the seventh century which is the present church and monastery, with a mention for the special mosaics in the apse of the same era.
Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls
This beautiful and original basilica, dating back to the sixth century took its present form in the thirteenth. It was largely rebuilt after the Allied bombings of San Lorenzo during the Second World War.
Its superb raised choir actually incorporates remains of the church of the sixth, with beautiful antique Corinthian columns.We should also mention the beautiful cosmatesque pavement , colonnades and cloisters.
loading map - please wait...
![]() | Sainte-Marie en Trastevere![]() Sainte-Marie en Trastevere |
![]() | Saint-Clément![]() Saint-Clément |
![]() | Sainte-Marie sur la Minerve![]() Sainte-Marie sur la Minerve |
![]() | Saint-Ignace de Loyola![]() Saint-Ignace de Loyola |
![]() | Sainte Praxède![]() Sainte Praxède |
![]() | Basilique Sainte-Sabine![]() Sainte-Sabine |
![]() | Sainte Cécile![]() Sainte-Cécile en Trastevere |
![]() | sainte agnès hors les murs![]() Sainte-Agnès hors les murs |
![]() | saint laurent hors les murs![]() Saint-Laurent hors les murs |
Recents comments