What surprised me when I lived in Rome was that every street corner had either a café, a church or a roman ruin. Even the smallest church, tucked away between two buildings, has magnificent ceilings and religious sculptures that invite you to spend a few moments there. There are the churches we all know, like St Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel, and those we know from Instagram, like La Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di Loyola.
But Rome has more than 900 churches, so you can imagine that beyond the famous one, Rome hides hidden gems, offering exceptional architecture and works of art.
Here is a list of, I think, are the most beautiful churches in Rome that you need to see once in your life !
THE WORLDWIDE FAMOUS CHURCHES OF ROME
Let me present you the Basilica San Pietro, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon of Rome & Sant John of Latheran
BASILICA SAN PIETRO
It is the most iconic religious site in Rome. It is one of the four major basilicas, the most important churches in Catholicism. It was built on the site of Saint Peter’s tomb, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first pope of the Catholic Church. According to the Gospel of Matthew, it was Jesus who entrusted Peter with the task of building his church. With Rome being at the heart of the Roman world, it seemed like a natural place to spread Jesus’ message. But at the time of Saint Peter’s arrival, Christians were being persecuted under Nero, and Peter did not escape martyrdom and crucifixion around 64 AD. He was buried where Saint Peter’s Basilica stands today, his tomb located at the center of the Basilica, topped by an impressive bronze structure, the Baldachin, located above the Altar of the Chair of Saint Peter, where the Pope celebrates important masses. It is situated above Saint Peter’s tomb.
TIPS: You will likely face a bit of a wait before entering the Basilica. There are strict security checks (only water bottles are allowed), and appropriate attire is required, with a ban on bringing animals. If the line starts at the center of the square, expect a 20-minute wait, but it goes by quickly! If you are on a tight schedule, it’s best to arrive at opening time since not everyone is eager to visit at 7 AM!
Practical Information:
- 01/10 to 31/03: open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
- 01/04 to 30/09: open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
- Free entry for all.
THE SISTINE CHAPEL
The Vatican Museums is not just a religious museum by far. Think of it more like the Italian Louvre. It is organized into 13 departments, each containing a specific collection. On the religious theme, don’t miss the Gallery of Maps whom walls are painted with regions of Italy and papal territories from the Renaissance with great precision. The Museum of the Resurrection, dedicated to early Christian art, displays the first symbols of Christianity and liturgical objects. The Gallery of Tapestries illustrates biblical and historical scenes. The Portrait Gallery of the Popes covers the first popes to the 20th century. And lastly, the most beautiful for last, the Sistine Chapel, which is famous for its Michelangelo’s frescoes. Unfortunately, it has become more of a tourist attraction, as it’s part of the museum, than a true spiritual place. While employees try to maintain silence for Christians to pray, it’s often not respected. However, the chapel is surrounded by benches for visitors to admire each detail of the fresco — and there are many — and if you’ve taken an audio guide, it will explain each major section of the chapel in detail.
Practical Information:
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the last Sunday of the month (last entry at 12:30 PM)
- Price: €20 | €8 for students & pilgrims | Free entry for all on the last Sunday of the month.
TIPS: Book online (+€5) to avoid the line or go directly to the museum during the off-season. When I visited Rome in January 2023, there was no need to queue for tickets, but in 2025, given the importance of this year, I am not sure if that will still be the case.
THE PANTHEON OF ROME
Yes, it is indeed a church! Built under Emperor Hadrian between 188 and 125 AD, it was originally dedicated to all the Roman gods and transformed into a Christian church in 609. With its dome measuring 43 meters in diameter and a 9-meter-wide oculus at the center, which lets in light and rain, it is a symbol of Rome that you must visit. It also holds the tombs of the fathers of the Italian unification, Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, his son Umberto I, and the painter Raphael.
If you happen to visit Rome and it’s raining, visiting the Pantheon is a good idea because Roman engineers found a way to drain the water that enters through the Pantheon’s dome in a rather unique way. The floor is slightly sloped, and the water naturally flows to drainage points through discreet small holes in the marble floor, leading to an underground drainage system. This ingenious system has prevented the Pantheon from suffering significant damage for nearly 2000 years!
Practical Information:
- Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: As of 2023, entry to the Pantheon costs €5 (or €2 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25).
BASILICA SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO
Located to the southeast of Rome (metro stop San Giovanni), is the oldest basilica in Rome (founded in the 4th century) and houses monumental statues of the 12 apostles and the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), said to be the stairs Jesus climbed during his trial. I love the profile of this church with its imposing white marble statues, and it was recently renovated for the Jubilee, so another reason to visit!
Practical Information:
- Hours: 07:30 AM – 6:30 PM daily
- Free entry for all.
THE MOST AESTHETICS CHURCHES OF ROME
Each church has its own aesthetic, but here are a few of my favourites.
CHIESA DI SANT’IGNAZIO DI LOYOLA
How could I not start this list with the most Instagrammed of churches?
So popular on social media that, in the space of a few years, a queue several dozen meters long has formed to take a photo of the mirror reflecting off the ceiling. For 30 seconds.
Particularly known for its ceiling painted by Andrea Pozzo, the fresco titled “The Ascension of Saint Ignatius” creates the illusion of a celestial dome, with a vertiginous perspective of people watching us & evolving above us. A stunning example of Baroque art of the 17th century, honoring Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order.
Practical informations:
- Opening time from 9h to 23h every day
- Entry price free (1€ to light on the ceiling)
- Getting there : the nearest metro station is Spagna (line A) & a 10 minutes walk
SAN LUIGI DEI FRANCESI
Located near Piazza Navona as a few steps from San Ignazio di Loyola, this church is famous for its works by Caravaggio, but its ceiling of Baroque style is equally impressive. It was financed and commissioned by the French community in Rome, mainly French merchants and nobles, to create a place of worship for French Catholics living in Rome. Today, masses are celebrated in French every Sunday.
Practical information :
- Opening times : 9h30-12h45 14h30-18h30
- Entry price free
- Getting there : the nearest metro station is Spagna (line A) & a 10 minutes walk as well
BASILICA DI SAN CLEMENTE
While this church is better known for its archaeological ensemble, its ceiling is still remarkable. It features mosaics and frescoes from different eras, with Byzantine and medieval elements that blend perfectly with the basilica’s architecture. It’s super close by the Colosseum, so if you have time on this area, do not miss this gem !
Practical information:
- Opening time : 9h-12h30 14h-18h | Sunday : 12h-18h
- Entry price free
- Getting there : Metro station Colosseo (line B)
CHIESA DEL GESU
Located in the heart of Rome, in the Piazza del Gesù, it was founded by the Jesuit order in the 16th century. It is also an excellent example of Baroque architecture, with a sumptuous design and impressive interior decoration, including a trompe l’oeil ceiling model to behold!
Practical information:
- Opening time : 7h30-12h30 16h30-19h30
- Entry price free
- Getting there : the metro station Colosseo (line B) is 10 minutes by foot.
THE HIDDEN GEM CHURCHES IN ROME
Let’s finish this presentation with the most secret churches of Rome, the one a few talks about but deserve some light!
BASILICAL SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a wealthy Roman patrician, instructing him on where to build a church, which was founded in the 5th century. That’s how it was built on the Esquiline Hill. Opened from 7h to 18h30 daily with a free entry.
SANT’ AGNESE IN AGONE located on Piazza Navona, this Baroque church features a ceiling painted by Ciro Ferri, a student of Pietro da Cortona. The ceiling is adorned with frescoes depicting Saint Agnes’ ascension to heaven, with bright colors and luminous details that provide a rich visual experience.
SANTA MARIA IN TRASTEVERE this church has a golden mosaic ceiling dating from the 12th century, illustrating biblical and divine scenes. While older, the beauty of this ceiling lies in its intricate details and golden glow, which spectacularly captures the light.
BASILICA SAN PAOLO FUORI-LE-MURA located on Via Ostiense in the southwest of Rome, was built in the 4th century on the site where Saint Paul was buried after his decapitation. The basilica is an example of Romano-Byzantine style, with mosaics & frescoes depicting the life of Saint Paul. Opened from 7h to 18h30 daily.
SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI houses Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses, but its ceiling is equally remarkable. It features simple yet elegant architecture with frescoes depicting religious scenes that complement the church’s sober and monumental ensemble.
SANTO STEFANO ROTONDO is one of the oldest churches in Rome, founded in the 5th century and dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Its circular shape, inspired by some early Christian churches, symbolises the continuity and eternity of Christian life.
BASILICA OF SAINT PRAXEDES founded in the 9th century, its known for its beautiful mosaics, which are among the best-preserved medieval mosaics in Rome. The most impressive are found on the apse, depicting Christ in Majesty surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint Praxedes, and Saint Pudentiana (another martyr).
SANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGELI E DEI MARTIRI is known for its unique combination of ancient Roman and Renaissance architecture and located near Piazza della Repubblica. The church was originally built on the site of the termae di Diocleziano (the Baths of Diocletian), which were constructed in the early 3rd century after Christ. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the baths fell into disuse, and the area was eventually repurposed for the church in the 16th century.
What is your favorite church in Roma ?