Rome Churches
There are over 900 churches in Rome, ranging in date from the 4th to the 21st century. The vast majority of Rome's churches are Roman Catholic; some of them are the most important in Catholicism. Below is an illustrated index of the 31 Rome Churches profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.
Rome, LazioThis small chapel on the Appian Way marks the spot where St. Peter, fleeing persecution, saw the risen Christ and asked, Domine quo vadis? ("Lord, where are you going?").
Rome, LazioAn underground maze in the outskirts of the city, the Roman catacombs provide a rare glimpse into ancient Christianity and contain some of the earliest examples of Christian art.
Rome, LazioThis huge Baroque church is the headquarters of the Jesuits and has served as the model for Jesuit churches everywhere and contains the tomb of St. Ignatius, the order's founder.
Rome, LazioLocated on the Capitoline Hill above the Forum, this ancient prison is where St. Peter and Paul are said to have been held before their execution in Rome.
Rome, LazioThis lovely 12th-century basilica stands over two previous sacred buildings: a church built in 392 and a 2nd-century Mithraic cave temple.
Rome, LazioAlso known as the Lateran Baptistery, this octagonal structure is the oldest baptistery in the world, built by Constantine in 315 AD.
Rome, LazioDedicated to both John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome and one of its four major basilicas. It includes a fine 13th-century cloister.
Rome, LazioThis major pilgrimage basilica features a columned portico, 6th-century mosaic, catacombs, and lovely 12th-century cloister. It is dedicated to Lawrence, who was martyred by roasting on a gridiron.
Rome, LazioDedicated to King Louis of France, this Renaissance church is the heart of the Rome's French community. It has a fine facade and three outstanding paintings by Caravaggio.
Rome, LazioThis spectacular basilica and Benedictine monastery shelters the bones of the Apostle Paul. Its beautiful cloisters display ancient artifacts discovered nearby.
Rome, LazioA church housing the venerated chains that held St. Peter while he was imprisoned in Rome before being freed by an angel.
Rome, LazioDedicated to a young woman martyred in 303 AD, this church was built by Constantine and rebuilt in the 7th century. It has a Byzantine apse mosaic and crowd-free catacombs.
Rome, LazioSant'Andrea al Quirinale is a splendid elliptical Baroque church designed by Bernini in 1658.
Rome, LazioFounded by the Duchess of Amalfi, Sant'Andrea della Valle is a Baroque church with notable artistic treasures, opulence, and dramatic grandeur.
Rome, LazioDesigned by Borromini, this impressive Baroque church is dedicated to St. Yves of Britanny, a lawyer who became a monk and fought for justice.
Rome, LazioThis church and active convent was built in the 9th century over the house of St. Cecilia, a 3rd-century martyr. It has a Byzantine apse mosaic upstairs and Roman excavations below.
Rome, LazioThis little round church was built c.360 AD to house the tombs of Constantine's daughter and sister. Its ceilings are covered in some of the earliest Christian mosaics in the world.
Rome, LazioToo often overlooked by non-pilgrims, this basilica near St. John Lateran includes the private chapel of St. Helen (Constantine's mother) and displays impressive relics from the Holy Land.
Rome, LazioThis interesting basilica incorporates the remains of the extensive Baths of Diocletian. Inside are works of medieval and modern art and an astronomical gnomon.
Rome, LazioA 15th-century church filled with Renaissance and Baroque art by masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini.
Rome, LazioBest known for the "Mouth of Truth" in the porch, this is one of the most interesting churches in Rome, with important medieval art and an atmosphere of antiquity.
Rome, LazioThis church is held to be the first place of Christian worship in Rome, built where a fountain of oil sprung up on the day of Christ's birth. Inside are many excellent mosaics.
Rome, LazioBuilt on the site of a miraculous snowfall, this major basilica dates from 420 AD. The huge church is lined with Byzantine mosaics and contains many important relics.
Rome, LazioSaid to be Rome's only Gothic church, this 13th-century basilica was built over a temple to Minerva. It contains many art treasures and the venerated tomb of St. Catherine of Siena.
Rome, LazioA hidden gem near Santa Maria Maggiore, this 9th-century basilica has glorious Byzantine mosaics. Also here is a piece of the scourging column of Christ and other relics.
Rome, LazioSanta Sabina is Rome's best surviving example of an early Christian church. It dates from 422, including its carved wooden doors with biblical scenes.
Rome, LazioThis ancient church in the Imperial Forum contains ruins of a Roman temple (overlooked through a glass wall in the back) and some wonderful early Christian mosaics in the apse.
Rome, LazioDedicated to St. Stephen, the first martyr, this is one of the largest and oldest round churches in existence. Dating from the 5th century, it reflects local and foreign influences.
Rome, LazioThis world-famous chapel painted by Michelangelo is still used for papal elections. Explore a complete photo gallery of its art as part of our article on the Sistine Chapel.
Rome, LazioFor Roman Catholics, St. Peter's is the most sacred site after the Holy Land. It centers around the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle and is one of the largest churches in the world.
Rome, LazioThe Vatican Museums are among the best in the world, with treasures including classical sculptures, early Christian artifacts, Egyptian mummies and Renaissance masterpieces.
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