Churches and basilicas of Rome

This section is dedicated to the basilicas and churches of Rome, the most important and interesting, since the city has more than 400. We will first discover here the four major basilicas, including Saint Peter’s basilica, the Vatican Church, which is the heart of Christianity and an extraordinary building that succeeded a place of worship built near the tomb of the Apostle Peter.
The three other great basilicas are Saint John Lateran which is the cathedral of Rome of which the Pope is the bishop, then Saint Mary Major and Saint Paul outside the walls.
An article is then devoted to the most beautiful churches, including those that host remarkable works, such as San Pietro in Vincoli which preserves the Moses by Michelangelo, Santa Maria del Popolo or San Clemente.

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The four major basilicas of Rome

With more than 400 churches, Rome has a unique religious heritage. Among these, four are the major basilicas: Saint Peter in Vatican, Saint John of the Lateran, Saint Mary Major and Saint Paul outside the walls. Together with three other so-called "minor" basilicas, they are the stages of the traditional Tour of the Seven Churches of Catholic Pilgrims in Rome.

Most beautiful churches in Rome

The most beautiful churches in Rome after the four great basilicas described in the dedicated article. Early Christian, medieval, Renaissance, Romanesque and Baroque, the history of the city can be discovered in these religious buildings, which have often replaced ancient pagan temples. The basilica of Saint Clement has a masterful illustration of this, with its three levels ...

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Heart of the Vatican, the Saint Peter's Basilica is a special and essential building in the Christian world, built on the tomb of Saint Peter around 320 AD. Michelangelo, Raphael, Bramante and many other artists contributed to its reconstruction in the 16th century.

Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Apse and view of Saint Mary Major from the Esquilino square

Dedicated to the Virgin, the Basilica of St. Mary Major dates back to the 5th century AD, in the early Christian era. Photos, history, information and architecture.

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran

Cathedral of the Pope as bishop of Rome, Saint John Lateran, raised by Constantine around AD 320, is the mother of all the churches. Photos, history, information and architecture.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Nave of Saint Paul outside the walls in Rome

The Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura is a church located south of the ancient walls of Rome. Built in the 4th century on the tomb of the apostle Paul, it has a five-nave architecture and an intact medieval cloister. This site is home to ancient mosaics and serves as a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, located in the heart of the Vatican, is famous for its monumental frescoes, including the vault and Judgment Day by Michelangelo. This masterpiece of the Renaissance, commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, also serves as a setting for papal conclaves. The visit, included in the itinerary of the Vatican Museums, requires early booking due to its immense popularity.

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