15 Most Popular Churches in Rome & Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit & Tickets

Rome's rich cultural heritage is showcased in this guide to the 15 best churches in Rome. Renowned landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran are featured, along with hidden treasures like the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Information about opening hours, the best times to visit for a peaceful experience, and how to access these sacred sites is provided below. Whether you're an architectural enthusiast or seeking spiritual reflection, everyone will find something inspiring in Rome's magnificent churches.

1. St. Peter's Basilica

Built during the 16th century, it replaced the Old St. Peter's Basilica and became a symbol of Catholicism.

Highlight: The dome designed by Michelangelo and the Pietà sculpture inside.

Closed Days: Always open, but certain areas may close during special ceremonies.

• Location: Vatican City
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April to September), and 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (October to March).
• Entrance Fee: Free, but there is a fee for climbing the dome.
• Importance: Considered the most important church in the Christian world, it is the site of St. Peter's tomb and an architectural marvel by Michelangelo.

2. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Founded in the 4th century, it has undergone several reconstructions. The basilica is home to significant relics and was the original Papal residence.

Highlight: The Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when it's less crowded.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: The Cathedral of Rome and the "mother of all churches," it is the official seat of the Pope.

3. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Built in the 5th century, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus.

Highlight: The mosaics that depict scenes from both the Old and New Testament.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Morning, to enjoy the quiet and admire the mosaics.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: One of the largest Marian churches in Rome, famous for its 5th-century mosaics.

4. Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura

Constructed in the 4th century, it was later rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century.

Highlight: The mosaics and the cloister dating back to the 13th century.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Via Ostiense, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for a peaceful experience.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: The second-largest basilica in Rome, it is built over the burial place of St. Paul.

5. Pantheon

Built in 27 BC and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 118-125 AD. It became a church in the 7th century.

Highlight: The oculus, a 9-meter-wide opening in the dome that lets natural light in.

• Closed Days: Open daily.
• Location: Piazza della Rotonda, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Originally a Roman temple, the Pantheon is now a Catholic church, known for its dome and oculus.

6. Santa Maria del Popolo

Rebuilt in the 15th century by Pope Sixtus IV, it is one of the most artistically significant churches in Rome.

Highlight: Caravaggio’s "Conversion of Saint Paul" and "Crucifixion of Saint Peter".

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza del Popolo, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a quieter visit.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Known for its Renaissance art, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael.

7. Basilica di San Clemente

Built over the remains of a 1st-century Roman temple, the current church dates to the 12th century.

Highlight: The mosaics and the Mithraic temple beneath.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Via Labicana, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning when it is quieter.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free for the upper church; a fee is required for lower levels.
• Importance: A layered church revealing Rome's history, with a pagan temple beneath.

8. Santa Maria in Trastevere

Believed to have been founded in the 4th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Rome.

Highlight: The apse mosaics depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di Santa Maria, Trastevere
• Best Time to Visit: Early evening, as the area becomes vibrant with local life.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Known for its 12th-century mosaics and charming neighborhood.

9. Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Built in the 9th century on the site of St. Cecilia’s house.

Highlight: The crypt where St. Cecilia’s relics are kept.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di Santa Cecilia, Trastevere
• Best Time to Visit: Afternoon, after exploring the Trastevere area.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.

10. Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

Built in the 4th century by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.

Highlight: The relic of the True Cross.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Home to relics of the True Cross, brought to Rome by St. Helena.

11. Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Minerva, the church was completed in the 13th century.

Highlight: Michelangelo's "Christ the Redeemer" is one of the key attractions, alongside Filippino Lippi's frescoes. The stained-glass windows and Gothic arches make this church a striking contrast to most Roman churches.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza della Minerva, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Morning, to fully enjoy the art and architecture.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: The only Gothic church in Rome, known for its unique architecture and collection of art.

12. Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli

Built in the 5th century to house the relic of St. Peter's chains, this basilica has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.

Highlight: Michelangelo’s "Moses", part of the unfinished tomb of Pope Julius II, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art. The chains of St. Peter are displayed near the altar, making this a significant spiritual site.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning, before the crowds gather.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Famous for Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses and the chains believed to have bound St. Peter.

13. Basilica di Sant'Agostino

Built in the 15th century, the church is a prominent example of Renaissance architecture.

Highlight: Caravaggio's "Madonna of Loreto" is a major attraction here. The frescoes by Raphael and the statue of St. Anne by Andrea Sansovino add to its artistic importance.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza di Sant'Agostino, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a peaceful visit.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Importance: Known for its Renaissance art and as the burial place of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine.

14. Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

Built in the 17th century, the church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, designed by Carlo Maderno.

Highlight: The illusionistic ceiling frescoes by Andrea Pozzo create the impression of a dome where none exists, a remarkable example of trompe-l'oeil. The chapel of St. Aloysius Gonzaga is also a major point of interest.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Via del Caravita, Rome
• Best Time to Visit: Morning, when the light illuminates the artwork.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  
• Entrance Fee: Free.
  
• Importance: A Baroque masterpiece, it is dedicated to the founder of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius of Loyola.

15. Santa Maria in Cosmedin

Built in the 6th century, this medieval church was constructed over a Roman temple.

Highlight: The "Mouth of Truth", a large stone face that, according to legend, would bite off the hand of liars. Inside, the cosmatesque floor and ancient crypt provide further intrigue for visitors.

• Closed Days: Always open.
• Location: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Rome
  
• Best Time to Visit: Morning, to avoid the crowds at the Mouth of Truth.
  
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  
• Entrance Fee: Free.
  
• Importance: Known for the "Mouth of Truth" (Bocca della Verità), a popular tourist attraction outside the church.

Map with Locations

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