See Sacred Art for Free in their Original Spaces
Open Map
Religious paintings and sculpultures are typically meant to be viewed in sacred spaces. Rome's churches hold worldclass works from the Renaissance and Baroque period's greatest artists. These works still remain in the places for which they were initially intended. They enrich the atmosphere around the liturgy, and they help guide the prayer experience calling to mind moments of the Gospel and Lives of the Saints. Here are some key places to visit in Rome to get you started.
Estimated Time: 4 Hours
Places to Visit:
Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)
Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Basilica of Sant'Agostino al Campo Marzo
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (St. Louis of the French)
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
St. Peter's Basilica
Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)
Early Christian Church holding the Chains that Restrained St. Peter
The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, built on the Esquiline Hill, originated from Empress Eudoxia's gift of St. Peter's chains to Pope Leo I. Initially a chapel dedicated to St. Paul, it was reconstructed by Pope Sixtus III in 439 and renamed to honor the chains, which were believed to have miraculously fused together.
The church features a simple interior with the chains as its central relic and Michelangelo's renowned sculpture of Moses in the mausoleum of Pope Julius II.
Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Gothic church and resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena
Built atop the site of a former temple dedicated to Minerva, this Basilica has a complex history leading up to its’ present site which is known by many as the resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena, one of only two Gothic churches in Rome and one of the oldest homes to the Order of Preachers.
Upon approaching the Basilica, a distinct obelisk with a supporting base in the form of an elephant greets pilgrims. Moved from the nearby Campo Marzo to the plaza, the base was built by none other than the renowned Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Construction of the current basilica began in 1280, with major renovations and changes taking place over the centuries. The body of St. Catherine of Siena rests prominently beneath the high altar while renowned painter Blessed Fra Angelico is also buried in the church. A side altar of the church also holds the famous crucifix that is said to have encouraged St. Camillus of Lellis to found his order.
Continuing a centuries old tradition, the church is still maintained by the Order of Preachers who live in an attached monastery. The community still gathers to pray the Liturgy of the Hours together in the Basilica three times a day.
Basilica of Sant'Agostino al Campo Marzio
Tomb of St. Monica: Rome’s First Renaissance Style Church
Located in Piazza Sant'Agostino, the Basilica of Sant'Agostino was one of Rome’s first Renaissance churches, originally built in the 14th century. Due to its small size, it was rebuilt between 1479 and 1483 by Jacopo di Pietrasanta and Sebastiano Fiorentino, commissioned by Cardinal Guillaume d’Estouteville. The church was later remodeled by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1746-1756, who transformed its interior, dome, and façade, using travertine blocks reputedly from the Colosseum.
Inside, notable features include the "Madonna del Parto" (1516) by Jacopo Tatti (Sansovino), and a fresco of the "Prophet Isaiah" (1512) by Raphael. The church also houses significant artworks like Caravaggio's "Madonna of the Pilgrims" (1604) and a main altar designed by Bernini, featuring a Byzantine icon.
The basilica holds several notable tombs, including that of Saint Monica.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (St. Louis of the French)
French National Church & Iconic Paintings by Caravaggio of St. Matthew
The church was built in the 16th century to accommodate the large French community present in the city. Construction began under the pontificate of Pope Clement VIII at the end of the 16th century, and bears the signature of the same architects of St. Peter's Basilica: Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta.
It houses the three masterpieces by Michelangelo Merisi, better known by his nickname, Caravaggio. These three images painted by Caravaggio are placed in the Contarelli Chapel at the far left side of the church. They tell the story of the evangelist Matthew: his vocation, the divine inspiration he received in writing Holy Scripture, and finally his martyrdom.
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
Carmelite Sanctuary hosting a Miraculous Image of Mary & Bernini's "Ectasy of St. Teresa of Avila"
Established first as a chapel dedicated to San Paolo by the Discalced Carmelites, it owes its title to the victory of the Catholic army against the Bohemians in the battle of the White Mountain, near Prague, 8 November 1620.
At a critical moment in the battle, Father Domenico di Gesù and Maria, army chaplain, intervened in the fight. Hanging from his neck, he had an image representing Mary in adoration of the Child. Rays of light were seen coming out of the portrait that dazzled their opponents, forcing them to flee.
The Fountain of Moses can also be visited outside the church.
St. Peter's Basilica
Heart of the Catholic Church, Largest Basilica in the World, and Burial Place of St. Peter
St. Peter's Basilica began construction during the pontificate of Pope Julius II in 1506 and was completed in 1615 under Pope Paul V. Its design features a three-aisle Latin cross with a high altar at the cross-section where Michelangelo's Dome and Bernini's Baldacchinno mark the place of St. Peter's tomb and relics.