The basilica is dedicated to the Benedictine nun and patron saint of drivers, Saint Francesca Romana. The nun became a saint because of her service to the poor and sick people. As you enter her church, the main interior focal points are the nave decorated with a mosaic, seven side chapels, and a wooden coffered ceiling with decorative panels. Another eye-catching piece of art is the hodegetria (means she who shows the way) icon above the altar. 

The church is dedicated to Saint Bonaventura, a Francisan father. Cardinal Francesco Barberini had it built in 1675 next to a convent for the Franciscan Friars Minor. The church is among the smallest in Rome. The interior consists of one nave. Saint Bonaventura's tomb as well as San Leonardo from Porto Maurizio are held in the church.

The basilica stands on Roman archictecture, with the remains under the church. The small church was reformed many times throughout the years. It has one of the more simple exterior designs in Rome, yet still holds plenty of beauty through the two bells towers and in the interior of the church. Inside you will find beautiful art of the Martyrdom of Saint Anastasia by Michelangelo Cerruti, and Saint john the Baptist in the desert by Pier Francesco Mola. Unlike many other churches, it has three naves you can walk down. 

The name of one of the smaller churches in Rome derives from events back in 1385 when a man paid to have an image of the Virgin Mary placed next to Tarpeian Rock to console fellow christians on death row. In 1470, the church was built, with the design by Martino Longhi the Elder. Looking at the exterior of the Church are statues of the prophets Isaiah, Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. The interior of the church has three naves, five chapels on both sides, and three apses. You wil find many beautiul pieces of art including, Passion by Taddeo Zuccari, Virgin with Child by Livio Agresti, icon of Mary, a fresco of the Madonna della Consolazione,  marble relief of the Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine by Raffaello da Montelupo, Adoration of the Magi, and Adoration of the Shepherds by Giovanni Baglione.

The church today was once where three temples stood in the medival ages that turned into prisons, given its name carcere. Later on, it became a market for herbs and vegetables. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas by the Greek community who were devoted to the saint, given he lived in the same place. In the 11th century, Pope Paschal II ordered the church to be built, then rebuilt in 1599 and in 1865. Inside are three naves separated by fourteen different sized columns, with the material from ancient temples. The artwork inside consists of, Trinity of Angels by Guercino, Madonna with Child by Antonio Romano, and Ascension by Lorenzo Costa.

The Basilica of San Marco near Capitoline Hill, was founded by Pope Marco in 336, and dedicated to Marco the Evangelist, who lived at the Hill during his time in Rome. The church has had many renovations, especially after the barbarian invasions in the 6th and 7th centuries. One of the most important pieces in the church is the mosaic, designed by byzantine artists who were commissioned by Pope Gregory IV. Between 1455 and 1471, the ceiling of the church was also decorated and remains one of the only remaining coffered ceiling still undamaged.

Going up the staircases, designed by architect Vignola, is the Basilica of Saint Maria in Aracoeli (near Capitoline Hill), which in english means Altar of Heaven. It is on the highest peak of Capitoline Hill, to honor the Virgin Mary. Before entering the church, a fresco of Mother Mary and baby Jesus is right outside the gate. Entering the church are beautiful works of art by Cavallini, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The church was founded by Pope Gregory the Great.

San Crisogono (between St. Cecilia and Santa Maria in Trastevere) is one of the oldest basilicas in Rome. It was built in the 4th century under Pope Sylvester I, and rebuilt twice in the 12th century and in 1626. The church is dedicated to Saint Chrysogonus who was martyred under Emperor Diocletian. One of the main focal points in the exterior of the basilica are the eight sculptures above the entrance. Four vases are shown with dragons and eagles, symbolizing the Borghese family, a noble family. As you walk in the church, the interior design is by Pietro Cavallini. You  will find a painting of Saint Chrysogonus as a soldier, painted by Michele Giambono. 

The Basilica of Saint Cecilia, who is the patron saint of musicians, was built where her family lived. She was martyred around 230 A.D. when she tried converting her husband and brother. Because of her efforts, she was tortured for three days in the calidarium. However, she was still alive, so her torturers decapitated her. Pope Urban I, who witnessed the martyrdom, buried her in the catacomb of St. Callistus. Years later, Pope Paschal found her body and moved to a basilica in Trastevere, which is now named after her. As time past, the basilica had numerous work done. Between the 12th and 13th century, the cloister, atrium, and bell tower were added. In the 16th century the entrance to the building was added on with its ancient columns of pink granite and African marble by Ferdinando Fuga. 

Vatican Gardens

Mammertine Prison, Location of Sts. Peter and Paul's Imprisonment

Gothic church and resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena

Underground House of Sts. Peter and Paul

Constantine's Basilica and the Catacombs of St. Sebastian

St. Callixtus Catacombs: The Little Vatican Beneath Rome's Streets

Earliest Depiction of the Virgin Mary: Saints in the Catacombs of Priscilla

Martyrs and Mosaics: Rome's Largest Underground Cemetery

Home of Saint Clement

Early Christian Church holding the Chains of St. Peter

Medieval Church built over the Roman Forum & Temple of Romulus

Sip and Stroll: Enjoying Rome’s Piazza Santa Maria ai Mont

5th Century Basilica and Dominican Mother Church

15th Century church in the Rione Trevi dedicated to the 12 Apostles with relics of two of the Aposltes, Sts. Phillip and James the Lesser

The Smallest Church in Rome

Titular and Minor Basilica Hosting the Relics of St. Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr

The Magnificent Mosaics and Medieval Marvels of Santa Maria in Trastevere

Melchite Rite Church with Relics of St. Valentine and famous "Bocca della Verità"

Bramante's Tempietto on the Gianicolo with a Via Crucis

Built over One of the Houses of St. Paul

House of St. Jerome & Iconic Spada Chapel

The Aldobrandini Gardens: From Papal Estate to Public Oasis

Tomb of St. Monica: Rome’s First Renaissance Style Church

Former Hospital Chapel Serving Sick Pilgrims to Titular Church Dedicated to St. James the Great  

Gothic Church on the Tiber and Museum of Purgatory

French National Church & Iconic Paintings by Caravaggio of St. Matthew

Renaissance Church with Cloister & Miraculous Icon

A Hospice to the Pilgrims of  Rome

Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Rome & St. Padre Pio Relics

An Opening Embace for Pilgrims to Vatican City

Vatican Apostolic Archives

Vatican Library

Italian Shrine to the Divine Mercy Devotion

Baroque Church and resting place of St. Philip Neri, Apostle of Rome

Papal Basilica and first church constructed after legalization of Christianity. Seat of the Bishop of Rome - the Pope

Heart of the Catholic Church, Largest Basilica in the World, and Burial Place of St. Peter 

Tre Fontane Abbey: Rome’s Sacred Site of Saint Paul’s Martyrdom