Top Churches to Visit in Rome, Italy Top Churches to Visit in Rome Top Churches to Visit in Rome What Churches to See in Rome By Martha Bakerjian Updated August 30, 2015. Rome has many interesting churches with fine art work worth a visit. Many churches stay open all day but some close for a few hours in the afternoon. These churches have free entrance (2006) but some have museums, cloisters, or archaeological areas with a fee. When entering a church you're expected to be quiet and respectful. Men should remove hats. Some churches won't let you in wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. Most churches allow photos inside with some restrictions. edwin11/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 • San Giovanni Laterano - Cathedral of Rome San Giovanni, Saint John, is Rome's cathedral and the first church of the popes, from the fourth century until the papacy moved to France in 1309. The pope's residence was in the adjoining Lateran Palace. This is the site of the first Christian church ever built in Rome. The current church is Baroque and has cloisters and a museum that can be visited.

Be sure to visit the baptistery next door and the Scala Santa and Sancta Sanctorum across the street. More » continue reading below our video Beware! The 5 Most Common Travel Scams • Saint Peter's Basilica - San Pietro in Vaticano St. Peter's Basilica, San Pietro in Vaticano, is in Vatican City so technically not in Rome. San Pietro is the current church of the pope and one of the largest and most important Catholic churches in the world. Inside the vast interior, there's lots of marble, bronze, and gold artwork, including Michelangelo's Pieta. You can visit Saint Peter's for free but you'll have to pay to see the adjoining Sistine Chapel , with its famous frescoes by Michelangelo and Botticelli, and the Vatican Museums . More » Santa Maria Maggiore Pictures: Exterior of Santa Maria Maggiore Church. Joe Palisi • Santa Maria Maggiore Another of the four papal churches, Santa Maria Maggiore has beautiful 5th century Biblical mosaics. The marble floor, bell tower, and mosaics on the triumphal arch and in the loggia are medieval.

Its spectacular ceiling is said to be decorated with gold Columbus brought back from the new world. The fourth patriarchal or papal church of Rome is San Paulo Fuori la Mura, Saint Paul Outside the Walls , two kilometers from the San Paolo Gate along via Ostiense . It also holds many art treasures and relics including the chains believed to have been used on Paul when he was under arrest. More » The Pantheon in Rome. by Martha Bakerjian • The Pantheon The Pantheon, built in the year 118 as the Roman temple of all gods, is the best preserved ancient building in Rome. Its vast dome has a circular opening at the top that lets in the only light. In the seventh century early Christians turned the Pantheon into a church. Inside are many tombs, some holding the bodies of Italian monarchs. More » • San Clemente San Clemente, near the Colosseum, is my favorite because of its layers of archaeological excavations underneath, illustrating Rome's interesting history. The current 12th century church sits on top of the 4th century church that was built over ruins of 1st century Roman buildings and a 2nd century Mithraic cult chamber.

The best way to visit the excavations is on a guided tour such as this Crypts, Bones, and Catacombs tour with Walks of Italy. Rome Picture: St. Peters in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) Church in Rome, St. Peter's Chain. Picture © by James Martin, Europe Travel • San Pietro in Vincoli - Saint Peter in Chains San Pietro in Vincoli , also near the Colosseum, was founded in the fifth century to hold the chains that are believed to be those that held St. Peter captive in Mamertine Prison. According to legend, one set of chains was sent to Constantinople and when it was returned to Rome, the two parts miraculously fused together. The church is also home of the famous statue of Moses by Michelangelo , the center of the work known as the tomb of Julius II. • Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Holy Cross in Jerusalem, is one of Rome's popular pilgrimage churches. Santa Croce is a beautiful Baroque church known for its collection of relics.

There's also a replica of the Shroud of Turin, the shrine of a young girl being considered for sainthood, and 15th century frescoes in the apse. Santa Croce started as a church in the fourth century and still has granite columns from the original church. It's been remodeled several times and the church we see today is from the 18th century remodel. The monastic and archaeological complex includes gardens set in the Castrense amphitheater . There's also a hotel run by the monks, Domus Sessoriana . Santa Croce is near San Giovanni in Laterano (see above). More » • Santa Maria in Cosmedin Santa Maria in Cosmedin, between the river and the Circus Maximus, is the most important Greek church in Rome and has some beautiful Byzantine mosaics. In front you'll see lots of tourists sticking their hands into the Boca della Verita, mouth of truth, a medieval drain cover sculpted to look like a face. According to medieval legend, if you've been untruthful the mouth will snap shut and cut off your hand. Try it at your own risk!

• Santa Maria in Trastevere Trastevere is the neighborhood across the Tiber River from Rome's historic center. Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of Rome's oldest churches and believed to be the first church in Rome dedicated to the Virgen Mary. It originally dates from the late third to early fourth century but was rebuilt in the twelfth century. The church is famous for a Byzantine mosaic behind the altar and a number of 13th century mosaics. The piazza has a beautiful octagonal fountain. Pictures • Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Another of Rome's Santa Maria churches, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva by the Pantheon is Rome's only Gothic style church. It was built in the 13th century over what is believed to have been the Temple of Minerva. There's a good collection of art here, inlcuding another Michelangelo, Christ Carrying the Cross, and the tombs of St. Catherine, Fra Angelico, and the 16th century Medici popes. Outside is a Bernini sculpture of an elephant with an obelisk on its back.

• Santa Maria del Popolo Santa Maria del Popolo, in Piazza del Popolo , was one of the first Renaissance churches in Rome. The church features Caravaggio's Martrydom of St. Peter and Conversion of St. Paul. In the Chigi Chapel, created by Raphael, are ceiling mosaics and pyramid-like tombs as well as statues by Bernini. P Like a mirage in the dusty haze that settles over the African bush, stands an almost exact replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Upon its completion in 1989, not only did the lookalike structure ‘borrow’ the design of the Roman Renaissance dome and encircled plaza, but measuring in at 30,000 square metres, it even took St. Peter’s title as the largest church on earth, surpassing the Guinness World Record. Oh, and the whole thing is totally empty.

Lead image: Nic Bothma—epa/Corbis Images (c) Jbdodane Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro, also known as the “basilica of the bush”, is the estimated $300 million indulgence of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the Ivory Coast’s first President and third longest-serving leader in the world at the time of his death (after Fidel Castro and Kim Il-sung of North Korea). Perhaps you see where this is going. Democrat or dictator (I’ll leave that argument for a rainy day), Houphouët-Boigny was ruling a country already in dire financial straits when he decided it would be a good idea to build a luxurious Vatican clone in the outskirts of his hometown of Yamoussoukro, surrounded by poverty. (c) Mount Holyoke McCulloch Center After importing 30 acres of marble from Italy and 23,000 square feet of contemporary stained glass from France, when asked about the details of the church’s financing, he simply replied that “a deal with God has been done”.

(All 7000 seats are also individually air-conditioned). (c) Jbdodane The Basilica took three years to build, headed by Lebanese architect, Pierre Fakhoury, and an army of hard labourers who worked secretly both day and night. When the Vatican got wind of its copycat design, Pope John Paul II personally requested that the observatory crowning the dome be built slightly lower than the height of St. Peter’s dome. The Ivorian President complied, but then went ahead and topped his dome with a huge gold cross, earning it yet another title of the tallest church in Christendom. View Larger Map Houphouët-Boigny offered it as a gift to the Pope, who consecrated the church in 1990, (rather controversially) under the condition that a hospital be built nearby. The papal villa, which was built exclusively to house the Pope on his visits has stood empty ever since. (c) A Al-Mamun In fact, the whole thing is arguably one big empty and outrageous contradiction.

Up to 18,000 people can worship in the basilica (7,000 seated, 11,000 standing) but in a nation where more than two thirds of its people aren’t even Christian, it has a tough time filling just a few seats. A recent visitor to the Ivory Coast told me that there couldn’t have been more than three other people inside when he toured the massive house of worship. Nevertheless, the basilica is flaunted in the country’s tourism promotion. This (ever so slightly dated) tourism video shows the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro alongside golf courses, hotels and casinos. [youtube In reality, seemingly misplaced in a barren and poverty-stricken landscape, what was built to represent a country’s political and economic stability, is anything but. Perhaps hoping to immortalize himself and his presidency, during which time the country briefly prospered following independence from France, Houphouët-Boigny commissioned his portrait beside Jesus in one of the stained-glass panes inside the basilica he called ‘the greatest church in the world’. But the President’s legacy had lost its shine, the economic prosperity was short lived and stability was fleeting.

Less than a decade after the grand monument was complete, the country was plunged into civil war. While the people of Yamoussoukro are living in slums and struggling to survive, there’s the basilica, an African Vatican towering over the horizon, waiting to air condition the bottoms of seven thousand people who will probably never come. SHARE The Largest Church in the World Has The Fewest Worshippers - The Daily Beast What a World The Largest Church in the World Has The Fewest Worshippers Former Ivory Coast dictator Félix Houphouët-Boigny built a beautifully massive church that barely anybody attends. Nina Strochlic takes a look inside. Nina Strochlic 01.30.14 10:45 AM ET If it’s in the Dictator Handbook that you must leave behind an extravagantly unaffordable and unnecessary vanity project, then Ivory Coast President Félix Houphouët-Boigny has fulfilled that requirement. In the village-turned-capital of Yamoussoukro, the world’s largest church stands towering above a lush sprawl of grazing cattle and ramshackle buildings.

A copper cross gleams atop a massive dome, while underneath, a marble and granite plaza stretches over seven acres and could fit a crowd of 300,000. But despite its $300 million price tag and 18,000-person indoor capacity, the out-of-place classical Greco-Roman structure has remained mostly empty for the past 25 years. Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Coast’s first president after the country’s independence from France, was immensely popular for the 33 years he ruled the country. He was also immensely rich, amassing a fortune of billions that apparently paid for the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro, or “The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro”—though he refused to answer questions of the church’s financing, saying it was “a deal with God.” In 1985, after moving the country’s capital to his birthplace of Yamoussoukro, then an agricultural village of just 15,000, Houphouët-Boigny commissioned a lavish replica of the Vatican’s St.

Peter’s Basilica in honor of the town’s new title and, presumably, as a lasting legacy to his reign as it dwindled. He spent the next four years pouring millions into the project, led by architect Pierre Fakhoury, who brought in a crew of 1,500 workmen to sculpt the colossal structure in an expedited three years—compared to the 109 it took to construct St. Peter’s—to ensure the aging president could see its completion. The end result was a complex stretching across 323,000 square feet and soaring 525 feet into the air. Inside, a massive, domed nave offers individual air conditioning vents for all 7,000 chairs. It’s decorated with 36 massive stained-glass windows, hand-made in Bordeaux, France, and one of which depicts Houphouët-Boigny offering a gift to Jesus. Rows of 272 columns surround the basilica, four of which are large enough to hold elevators that carry visitors to a balcony under the dome with sweeping views of the capital.

The severe contrast that the towering edifice struck with its surroundings lent it to become colloquially dubbed “ the basilica in the bush .” The Vatican wasn’t exactly pleased with its crowning glory being overshadowed by the African president’s passion project, though Houphouët-Boigny called it a “personal gift” to the church. When Pope John Paul II requested that the president not build the basilica taller than St. Peter’s, the architect lowered the dome height, but then plopped on a massive 30-foot cross on top, giving it 100 feet on the Vatican’s church. Despite the duplicity and an initial year of hesitation to give his blessing, Pope John Paul II accepted an invitation to dedicate the church in 1990. He stayed at the official papal residence built specifically for him, boasting a swimming pool and a 40-room mansion for his entourage. The pope, in return for agreeing to visit, requested the government build a neighboring hospital for the poor. It was a promise unrealized until 2012, when construction finally began . Apparently, the money had been held in a Vatican bank account until then.

The project also divided native Ivorians, some of whom took pride in the massive monument to God, and others who condemned it as a waste of money in a country with an annual per capita income of $650. “The size and expense of the building in such a poor country make it a delicate matter,” a Vatican official told Time when it was completed. “But it is a project close to the President’s heart, and he sees it as an experience of faith. We want to respect that.” Houphouët-Boigny was right to rush the construction. He died three years later, and his funeral was held in the basilica, filling the empty space for the first time since the pope’s consecration. Today, Polish clergymen and members of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, who were appointed by Pope John Paul II, oversee the church, and the costs to maintain the complex are an estimated $1.5 million annually.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace manages to attract some 350 worshippers to Sunday services, but due to the country’s ironically small Catholic population—comprising only about ten percent of the Ivory Coast population—the thousands of seats in the largest church in the world have gone mostly unfilled. READ THIS LIST Plan Your Visit to America's Catholic Church By Melanie Renzulli Updated July 01, 2016. If you thought the USA wasn't home to a Roman Catholic Church that could rival the stature of the famous basilicas in Europe, you haven't seen the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (also known as "America's Catholic Church"). The 72-meter tall church—located in the heart of Washington, D.C and close to the Catholic University of America’s campus—is the largest Catholic church in North America, and of the 10 largest churches in the world. Styled in a Byzantine Revival Romanesque design, the church houses over 70 chapels and oratories that weave the story of Roman Catholicism, its people, and America together.

The Basilica also houses the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art (which means works relating to the church) in the world, and was designed originally by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary for Prayer and Pilgrimage for American Roman Catholics in the early 1920s. continue reading below our video Tipping Etiquette Around the World In August 2006, the basilica erected a mosaic dome to replace its former dome – the first of many modern changes to its original architectural plans. Built over a span of 30 years, due in part to delays caused by the Great Depression , this basilica’s dimensions are massive, and can easily dethrone those of many other cathedrals in the world. According to the National Shrine's website, the basilica is 25 percent longer than St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and its dome is more than twice the size of the central dome of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice , Italy. The Shrine, not the U.S. Capitol, is the tallest building in Washington, DC , and attracts approximately one million visitors annually.

Pope Benedict XVI, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and recently Pope Francis on 23 September 2015 have prayed, blessed, and graced the doors of this basilica. Pope Francis, in particular, has also blessed the basilica’s priest, Junipeno Serra, as the first American saint. The church was also the site of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia ’s funeral mass. Open 365 days a year, the sacred church offers six masses, five hours of Confession, and weekly and seasonal Devotions to people of all faiths internationally. Unlike other churches—who prefer to not mix spirituality with technology—this basilica also allows visitors who can’t come in-person to request prayers, light candles, or request a Spiritual Enrollment by going online . Sure to captivate history, jewelry and religious lovers, the basilica also houses the ultimate Catholic treasure on its crypt level: The Papal Tiara of Pope Paul VI.

But the neatest thing about the National Shrine isn’t its possession of the Papal Tiara or its classification as one of the ten largest churches in the world, it’s the fact that the Vatican acknowledged its stature by enshrining its name with a marker on the floor of the famous St.Peter’s Basilica. So take a road trip down to Michigan Ave NE, bask in the magnificence of this basilica, and stroll through it without entrance fees by yourself or take one of its six daily group tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Basilica of St Peter - Vatican Articles Vatican / Vatican Articles / Info / The Basilica of S... The Basilica of St Peter 22/04/2013 by Vatican.com TheBasilica of St Peter St. Peter’s Basilica is a Late Renaissance church located within the territory of the Vatican City. It was designed by great architects like Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Gian Bernini Lorenzo and Carlo Maderno. The St. Peter’s Basilica is among the world’s largest churches and it is well known as an exemplary piece of Renaissance architecture. In the Catholic faith, St.

Peter’s Basilica is considered to be amongst the holiest places in the world.The St. Peter Basilica is rich in history from early Christian times. This site is believed to be the house of the tomb of Saint Peter; who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Some historical evidence has proved that the tomb of Saint Peter is located directly below the altar of the basilica. The iconic central dome of St. Peter’s Basilica dominates the skyline of Rome. It is located in Rome, west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian’s Mausoleum.The interior of the basilica contains several sculptures, artworks, decorationsand paintings. It contains several tombs of popes and other notable people. One of the most famous sculptures in St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s Pieta. The basilica is spectacular and steeped in history, religion, architecture and art. Several philosophers have described the basilica in different ways among them the American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson who described it as “an ornament of the earth…the sublime of the beauty.” The St. Peter’s Basilica is near the Papal residence and it is located within the Vatican City.

Most of the Papal ceremonies take place at the St peter's and thus it is very popular. However, it is not the Pope’s official seat nor first in rank among the Major Basilicas of Rome. The other Papal Basilicas or Major Basilicas of Rome are the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore and St. Paul outside the Walls. The basilica has great architectural structures that tooks everal years to design and build. One of the major contributors to the amazing structure of St. Peter’s Basilica is the Master Michelangelo. The following are some ofthe spectacular architectural features of the basilica: the Bramante’s dome, Maderno’s façade, St Peter’s statues, narthex and portals, and Maderno’ nave. St. Peter also has a lovely Piazza, fountains, altars, towers. It also known for the statues in the piers of the dome ( among them are the statues of Saint Helena, St.Longinus, St. Andrew and St. Veronica). The specifications of the St.

Peter’s basilica are approximately: length: 730 feet (220 m); width: 500 feet (150 m); maximum height: 452 feet (138 m); outer dome diameter: 137.7 feet (42 m); inner dome diameter: 136.1 feet (41.5 m). These dimensions are indeed an indication of how huge the basilica is. With its spectacular furnishes, architecture, tombs and collections of art, St. Peter’s Basilica is and will always be one of the largest churches in the world and oneof the holiest Catholic sites.

Vatican City Vatican City Official name: State of the Vatican City (also known as The Holy See) Area: 0.44 square kilometers (less than 1 square mile) Highest point on mainland: Unnamed location (75 meters/248 feet) Lowest point on land: Unnamed location (19 meters/63 feet) Hemispheres: Northern and Eastern Land boundaries: 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) total boundary length; all with Italy Coastline: None Territorial sea limits: None 1 LOCATION AND SIZE Vatican City (also known as the Holy See) is a tiny urban, landlocked enclave surrounded by Rome, Italy. It is the world's smallest state, located on the west bank of the Tiber River. The Leonine Wall forms the enclave's western and southern boundaries. Vatican City is the administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church; the Pope resides here in a palace west of Belvedere Park. Among Vatican City's other well-known buildings and landmarks is St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world. The Vatican Gardens comprise about half of the total area of Vatican City. 2 TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES Vatican City has no dependencies.

Situated on about 40 hectares (100 acres) outside of Rome, however, is Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer villa. The Italian government grants this property special tax exemptions because of its association with Vatican City. Another similar property is Santa Maria de Galeri, covering about 420 hectares (1,037 acres) and located about 19.3 kilometers (12 miles) from Vatican City. 3 CLIMATE Vatican City has a temperate climate. The temperature in January averages 7°C (45°F) and in July it averages 24°C (75°F). There is little rainfall in the summer (May through September). Winter, the rainier season, lasts from September through April. Average annual rainfall is 50 centimeters (20 inches). 4 TOPOGRAPHIC REGIONS Although Vatican City is built on a slight hill, the variation in elevation throughout the small country is less than 60 meters (200 feet). 5 OCEANS AND SEAS Rome attractions : Rome Churches and Basilicas Guide MORE INFO..!

The Churches and Basilicas of Rome You will be spoilt for choice in Rome with a church adorning every corner all with their own story and interesting facts and holding some of the most beautiful frescoes, paintings and sculptures that the world has ever seen. The below is a selection including the most famous Sant Peters Basilica the centre of Christendom. There is a strict code of dress within the churches and please note that shoulders and knees must be covered when entering any of the cities churches and controls are especially thorough at the Vatican where you will be turned away should these requirements not be respected. St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican City The Facts Style: Italian Renaissance Transports: Metro Line A - Ottaviano San Pietro Traditionally believed to have been erected over the spot where Stant. Peter was buried after his martyrdom in Rome around 64 CE there is no question that this church will leave you completely lost for words! The Basilica is of enormous dimensions (capable of accommodating 20000 persons ) and the frescoed ceilings are breathtaking.

It contains some of the finest pieces of art including the statue of La Pietà di Michelangelo and Il Baldacchino di Bernini(the papal alter).Also the home of the Pope who can be seen at the papal audiences outside in the Piazza in front of the Basilica on Wednesday mornings ( weather and the pope's schedule permitting). The church also has a dome observatory which although not free is well worth the visit due to it's amazing views of the city and down onto the square below with the colonnades designed by Bernini. Another particular of the church is the Swiss guards which has become a symbol and an interesting photo opportunity ! All entrants to this army must be Swiss, catholic, and they must take the oath to the pope. This oath is always taken on the 26th May to commemorate the same day in 1527 when Swiss guards protected pope Clement VII during his escape to Castel Sant'Angelo when of 189 guards only 42 survived. Sant.

Paul's within the walls The Facts Built: 4th Century Transports : Metro Line B – Basilica San Paolo The Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura was founded by the emperor constantine of the former roman empire and according to the tradition is the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle of Jesus. Although a little bit out of the city centre it can be easily reached by Metro and is well worth the visit. Along the nave you can see mosaics of all the popes from Peter to John Paul II. And the basilica also boasts a cloister built between 1208– 1235 by the Vassalletti Family. The inscription in the mosaics is a poem describing the importance of the cloisters in the life of a monk and the use of cloisters as a place of meditation and study. Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran) The Facts Transports: Metro Line A – San Giovanni Although when one thinks of churches in Rome The vatican springs to mind but The Basilica San Giovanni is actually the oldest and the mother of all churches in Rome, ranking before the other basilicas.

What was originally used as the palace of constantine was later re-modelled to serve as the church of the pope in Rome and today it serves as Romes official cathedral. The arch-basilica which was built on the site of the original church and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Basilica St Mary in Trastevere The Facts Built: The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Calixtus and later completed by Julius I One of the smaller basilicas but one of the most beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere stands cosily in the corner of one of Trasteveres main piazzas. Trastevere is one of the oldest and most vibrant areas of the city showing the real roman life and offering a variety of some of the best pizzerias and trattorias that the city has to offer. Santa Maria in Trastevere is the oldest church dedictaed to the Virgin and at this actual site 38 b.c a fountain of oil flowed for an entire day which was later interpreted by Christians as a sign of the birth of the Saviour.

The church leaves a wondeful impression at first sight with an eye catching medieval mosaic that adorns the exterior and shows the Virgin and Child and a procession of 10 vergens approaching from both sides. Basilica St Mary Major (Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore) The Facts Normal opening hours: 07:00 – 20:00 Transports: Metro Line B – Cavour Built: The first church here was founded c. 350 by Pope Liberius One of the 4 patriarchal basilicas of Rome and centrally located nearby to the colosseum. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary the church was first founded by Pope Liberius and financed by patrician and his wife who were childless and decided to leave their fortune to the Blessed Virgin who appeared to them in a dream and told them to build a church in her honour. Should you stay here in August on August the 5th white rose petals are dropped from the dome during the mass to commemorate the the legend dating back to possibly 358 when a miraculous snowfall outlined the plan of the church.

Santa Maria Maggiore also boasts the highest bell tower in Rome at 75 metres with a pyrimidal spire added in the 16th century. Our Lady of the Angels and the Martyrs (Santa Maria degli Angeli e Martiri) The Facts Transports : Metro Line A – Repubblica A rather unusual structure located in Piazza Republica the church rather seems to be a roman ruin from it's exterior and in actual fact was built within the remains of the Baths of Diocletian, and the church is also consequently dedicated to all of the christians who died whilst constructing these Baths. It is reported that a Sicillian priest witnessed angels in the ruins of teh Baths in 1541 after which it was ordered by Pope Pius IV that a church should be built there. The beginning of the work saw Michelangelo designing the church to be finished by Jacopo Lo Duca (Michelangelos student) after his death. Today Santa Maria degli Angeli is often the host of prestigous weddings and funerals promoted by the state. Centrally located at the top of Via Nazionale this church is well worth the visit.

Basilica of Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme) The Facts Transports: Metro Line A – Manzoni Location : Piazza S.Croce in Gerusalemme Absolutely breathtaking – this is a fine example of roman architecture at it's finest. Just a short metro ride away on the Line A you willdiscover why this church was used as an example for many churches all around the world. Supposedly founded by the Emperor Constantine in 320 using one large chamber of the Sessorian Palace to house the relics brought by his mother Helen from Jerusalem. For art lovers this is also an ideal place to feast your eyes upon the works of Pannini. Church of Trinità Dei Monti (Spanish Steps) The Facts Built : 1502 Transports : Metro Line A - Spanish Steps A trip to Rome would not be complete without a stop at the Spanish Steps, that has now become a famous meeting place for Italians and foreigners alike. The impressive staircase leads up to the Trinità dei Monti – of which it's well diffused images are already known worldwide.

Directly in front of the church is the roman obelisk which dates back to Imperial age from the Garden of Sallustio but as can be appreciated today it was moved to the front of the Trinità dei Monti in prder to create a focal link between the church and the stairwell. This church should be seen in all it's splendour both during the day and illuminated by night. Santa Maria delle Concezione de Cappuccini The Facts Transports: Metro Line A – Barberini This rather unusual church is located just in front of our very own Bed and Breakfast in Rome Di Cappuccini on Via Veneto and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, this church is also known as Our Lady the Immaculate and Church of the Capuchins. This church has become a particular tourist interest due to the fact it has furnished ossuary of the Capuchins completely in bones! From 1528 to 1870 friars serving the church were placed in a vault following their death and after some time the bones were retrieved to create this room of bones placed in a macabre style. The walls and furnishings are now adorned with over 4,000 bones of past friars.

Very centrally located definately worth a visit if not only for the curiosity! Our Lady and the Martyrs – Pantheon (Santa Maria ad Martyres) The Facts Location : Piazza della Rotonda Probably on first sight not considered a church this was actually a roman temple built in 27 bc and it's pure immensity will astound and that is just from looking at it from outside! The front has 16 enormous columns transposrted all the way from Egypt which is very difficult to imagine now let alone in ancient times! The Pantheon has a very special feature as the dome has a hole in it which is ideal on rainy days. Santa Maria in Aracoeli Transport: Bus 60 from the Colosseum, getting off at Piazza Venezia Opening Hours: 9 – 12:30, 14:30 – 17:30 Located in the splendid Piazza dl Campidoglio rising above the roman forum you will find this church dating back to the 6th century. Stunning features include the wooden ceiling, the ancient columns and beams and magnificent chendeliers.

Artistically speaking you can witness beautiful frescoes by Pinturicchio on the life of San Bernardino. If you can bear the walk up the rather steep 14th century staircase this church (built according to legend where the Emperor Augustus had a vision of the Madonna and Child) is certainly worth a visit. Church of San Clemente Transport: 10 minutes on foot from Metro Stop Line B Colosseo Opening Hours: 9 – 12:30, 15:00 – 18:30 Located close to Rome’s official church headquarters (St. Johns Basilica) and the Colosseum, the church of San Clemente has what is considered to be the finest medieval interior housing gloriousmosaics from the 12th century. Below the actual ground level of the church you will find the ruins of a Mithraic Temple which can be visited and appreciated by the public. Church of Sant’Ignazio The Facts Location: Via del Caravita, 8a Transport: 5 minutes on foot from Piazza Venezia up Via del Corso on the left hand side.

Leading off of one of Rome’s most principal streets (Via Del Corso) there is the small but very original square ‘Piazzetta di Sant’Ignazio’ which is home to the Church Sant’Ignazio dedicated to Gregory XV (thr founder of the society of Jesus). Main features include Andrea Pozzo’s decoration of the vault using the baroque dream of conquering infinite space with the techniques of optical illusion. On the way to the Pantheon this is certainly a church to stop and visit. The Church of Jesus Transport: 5 minutes on foot from Piazza Venezia along Via del Plebiscito Opening Hours: 06:30 – 12:30, 16:00 – 19:00 Incredibly overwhelming in it’s rich interior, works of art can be marvelled by the likes of Bernini and Pozzo. This church is actually the principal church of the Jesuits. The design is by Vignola and Giacomo della Porta and it’s plan and facade dating back to 1575 has been imitated in many churches sparse around Europe. Here you will also find the resting place of the artist Andrea Pozzo.

Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle The Facts Location: Piazza S. Andrea della Valle Transport: Bus 64 from Termini with stop outside the actual church on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele The undisputable size and beauty of St. Peters dome is the most dominant piece of architecture that can be admired from the Roman skyline, but there is a another rather apparent dome ruling the skyline and it is that of the church of Sant’Anrea della Valle boasting the second largest dome in the city, built between 1591 and 1665. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi The Facts Location: Via Santa Giovanna d’Arco, 5 Transport: A stones throw away from Piazza Navona, 2 minutes on foot. Opening Hours: 8:30 – 12:30, 15:30 – 19:00 Not to be missed is the stunning chapel decorated by Caravaggio between 1599 and 1602 this is tje official French church of Rome and it is worth a visit just to see the three Caravaggio works of art that all depict events from the life of St. Matthew.

Church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza The Facts Location: Corso del Rinascimento, 40. Opening Hours: 9:00 – 12:00, 18:00 – 20:00 Built: 1642 - 1660 ‘La Sapienza’ in actual fact refers to the University of Rome which can be principally found today close by to Termini station. This church was indeed built for the former university back in 1650 by Francesco Borromini located in what is known as the ‘renaissance quarter’ close by to Piazza Navona, a landmarke strongly recommended for a visit during a stay here in Rome. Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva The Facts Location: Piazza della Minerva, 42 Transport: Behind the Pantheon can be reached by the Bus Express 40 from Termini stopping at Largo Argentina. Opening Hours: 8:00 – 19:00 Just a stones throw away from the extremely famed Pantheon this church may not be an architectural delight but it’s interior certainly makes up for it’s lack in facade.

Som of Rome’s greatest treasures are displayed in this church including the Statue of the Risen Christby Michelangelo, and the burial monument of Leox and lement VII dating back to 1536-41. This church is located in a neat little square by the side of the luxurious Hotel Minerva and making it even more of a landmark is the well known sculpture in the middle of the piazza (a marble elephant designed by Bernini with an egyptian obelisk standing on it’s back dating back to the 6th century). Church of Santa Maria del Popolo The Facts Location: Piazza del Popolo, 12 Transport: Metro Line A Flaminio Opening Hours: 7:00 – 12:00, 16:00 – 19:00 Piazza del Popolo is located at the very top of the Via del Corso and is a vastly spacious square with two churches almost identical side by side.

A large part of the design was by Bramante and Bernini and it’s main treasures include 2 great masterpieces by Caravaggio, frescoes by Pinturicchio, the Chigi Dome by Raphael, Tombs designed by Andrea Sansovino, and stunning glass windows by Guillaume de Marcillat. Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin The Facts Location: Piazza Bocca della Verità, 18 Transport: Metro Line B Circo Massimo Opening Hours: 10:00 – 13:00, 15:00 – 17:00 Telling a lie could cost you your hand, or so legend would lead us to believe! There is only one way to find out and that is to visit the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and risk putting your hand in the ‘Bocca della Verità’...the famous mouth of truth. This medieval building has not only become a landmark due to this fact but also thanks to the beautiful interior with stunning pavements, pulpits, choir screens and 8th century mosaics, although it is not in posession of any of the great masterpieces or treasures that you will find in many other churches.

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION Rome Hotel Des Artistes - Via Villafranca 20 00185 Rome Italy Ph +39 064454365 Fax +39 064462368 - info@hoteldesartistes.com © Rome Hotel Des Artistes 2015 P.IVA: 05532611000 What is the Vatican? - Vatican Articles Vatican / Vatican Articles / Info / What is the Vatican? What is the Vatican? 09/04/2013 by Vatican.com What is the Vatican? The Vatican (Vaticano), or Vatican City State is a sovereign city-state that belongs to the Holy See (Sancta Sedes). The Vatican is situated in a walled enclave inside the city of Rome. The Vatican has a population of less than 1000 and is approximately 0.44 square kilometers, (about 110 acres).Vatican City is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world. The Vatican has its own national Anthem and Flag. The currency in the Vatican is the Euro, although it isn't a member of the European Union.

The Vatican Issues its own special Vatican coins. The Vatican also has its own postal service. In the Vatican post office you can buy Vatican Stamps and send postcards or letters to family and friends. The Vatican has generally been the residence of the Pope since 1337. The Pope's residence is also known as the Apostolic Palace and it is located North-East of the St. Peter's basilica. The Pontifical Swiss Guard is in charge of the security of the Vatican and the Pope's personal safety. The Pontifical Swiss Guard has been filling this duty since the 16th century.The entire Vatican State is acknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1984. The main tourist attractions in the Vatican are: St. Peter's basilica, St. Peter's Square, The Vatican Museums and the Vatican gardens. The entrance to the Basilica and Square are free of charge. Please note that visitors are asked to dress appropriately when entering the church. The Sistine Chapel The Vatican's Legal Standing On February 11th 1929, Vatican City State was established by the signing of the Lateran Treaties between the state of Italy and the Holy See.

Its status as a sovereign State is universally recognized and is anchored in International law. Due to the small size of Vatican City, some of its Departments and offices are located in several buildings in Rome. These buildings enjoy the same status as embassies and foreign diplomatic missions according to the Lateran Treaty. Vatican Geography and Vatican History Vatican City lies beyond the right bank of the Tiber River, its on part of the ancient Montes Vaticani (the Vatican Mount) and where the Vatican Fields used to be .The Name "Vatican" originated from the name of this hill. The Vatican was protected from being secluded from the rest of the city by being included within the walls of Pope Leo IV (847–55), and later on fortified further by Popes Paul III , Pius IV and Urban VIII. There are five entrances to Vatican City; Many Visitors start their Vatican tour at St Peter's square. The best way to get to the Vatican from Rome's historical center is through Ponte St. Angelo. The entrance to the Vatican Museums is on Viale Vaticano. The Notorious Roman Emperor Caligula (37-41AD) built a circus at the area of the current Vatican.

St Peter the apostle was buried in a necropolis to the north of the circus. Traditionally it is said that The See of Rome was founded by Saint Peter who first held the position of the Bishop of Rome (Pope).Between the years 324 and 326 AD, the Emperor Constantine built a basilica on top of St. Peter's grave. It was replaced by the present St. Peter's Basilica between the 16th and 17th centuries. And was designed and decorated by Renaissance and baroque geniuses such as Raphael, Bramante, Bernini Michelangelo, and Maderna. St. Peter's basilica is the largest religious building in the world. Tell us what you think about this topic Churches and Basilicas in Rome addresses Emergencies Embassies and Consulates Medical Service Libraries Internet Point Wash and Dry Churches and Basilicas in Rome The five great patriarchal Basilicas are ST. JOHN LATERAN , the cathedral and mother church of the world ST. PETER IN VATICANO , ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS , ST. MARY MAJOR and ST. LORENCE OUTSIDE THE WALLS .

These with basilicas of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme and S. Sebastiano, comprise the Seven Churches of Rome. Among minor basilicas rank Sant'Agnese fuori le mura, Santi Apostoli, Santa Cecilia, San Clemente and Santa Maria in Trastevere. Some churches are open only for a short time in the morning and evening. Most churches ask that sightseers do not visit the churches during a service. Be sure to wear adequate cloths to enter churches and basilicas: if you are wearing shorts or if you have bare shoulders you could be stop from entering some churches. Photo credit ST. JOHN LATERAN The Basilica of St. John Lateran — in Italian, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano — is the cathedral church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope . Officially named Archibasilica Sanctissimi Salvatoris (Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior), it is the oldest and ranks first among the five major basilicas, and holds the title of ecumenical motherchurch among Catholics.

An inscription on the façade, Christo Salvatore, dedicates the Lateran as Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, for all patriarchal basilicas are dedicated to Christ himself. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, containing the papal throne (Cathedra Romana), it ranks above all other churches in the Catholic Church, even above St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. ADDRESS: Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano Roma (RM) Photo credit ST. PETER IN VATICANO The huge basilica of St. Peter's in Vaticano is the most important Roman Catholic church in the world and is one of the most visited places in Rome. It is the composite work of some of the greatest artists of the 16C, and and a masterpiece of the italian High Renaissance. Orientated towards the west and approached through its monumental piazza, the church has its fitting culmination in Michelangelo's dome. ADDRESS: Piazza San Pietro 7 A.M. - 7 P.M.

(Winter 6 P.M.) - Everyday - Our Suggestion Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica Half-Day Walking Tour Experience the wonder of the Vatican on this three hour walking tour with a native English-speaking guide. See the three major attractions - St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, as well as numerous lesser known highlights. Don't be overwhelmed by the reputation of the Vatican, let your experienced guide enable you to fully appreciate your visit. Duration: 3 hours Click here for more information and Booking Details >> Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms and St Peter's Visit all of the most important sights of Vatican City as well as skipping the lines on this comprehensive tour! Your tour starts early, leaving ample time to appreciate the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms as well as other stunning attractions, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square. Duration: 3 hours Photo credit ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura is one of five churches considered to be the great ancient basilicas of Rome, Italy.

It is the largest church in Rome after St. Peter's. The church commemorates the martyrdom of of St. Paul and is believed to contain he Apostole's tomb. ADDRESS: Via Ostiense 184 OPENING TIME: 7 A.M. - 6.30 P.M. (cloisters daily 9 A.M.- 1 P.M. and 3 - 6 P.M.) -Everyday- Photo credit ST. MARY MAJOR The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore — also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria della Neve and Basilica Liberiana in the Italian language and Saint Mary Major Basilica in the English language — is one of five great ancient Catholic basilicas of Rome. Built over the pagan temple of Cybele, Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman basilica that retained the core of its original structure, left intact despite several additional construction projects and damage from the earthquake of 1348. It contains important mosaics and elaborate tombs and sumptuous chapels erected by the popesin the 16C and 17 C.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest and most important place of prayer dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. ADDRESS: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore Roma (RM)

Question: What is the name of the largest church in the Vatican?
Answer: St. Peter's Basilica