Rome, capital of a thousand churches

For millennia, the beautiful city of Rome has been the center of Christianity in Europe, protecting the Vatican State. Built by generations of emperors and popes, the churches, basilicas and other religious monuments are witnessing several eras: Medieval, Early Christian, Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic and many others.

Today, there are hundreds and hundreds of churches adorning the Italian capital. They are true architectural jewels, but also exhibition areas where the greatest artists have created legendary artworks.

How many churches in Rome?

If we count all religious buildings including those in ruins, Rome has over 900 churches. But according to the diocese of Rome, there are only 421. In any event, Rome is the city where is the largest number of churches in the world.

The most famous churches in Rome:

Four main basilicas represent the essential steps for any visitor and/or Catholic pilgrim: St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s, St. Paul outside the Walls and St. Mary Major.

-Supreme symbol of the papacy in Rome, the Basilica St. John Lateran is the oldest of all, erected in 320 by emperor Constantine.

-Then, in the heart of the Vatican, there is the famous Basilica St. Peter, built in the year 320 in honor of the martyr St. Peter and decorated with works by Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael and other famous artists of the Renaissance. It is the largest in the world.

-The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls meanwhile, experienced numerous destructions and rebuilding since its creation in the 4th century until the 13th century when the monastery was beautifully restored.

-Located near the Colosseum, the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is very special because it brings together all styles and all ages, after being restored and modified dozens of times over the centuries. This is the best preserved of all churches from the Roman era.

The churches, symbols of the history of Rome:

If you are curious and want to discover the past of Rome through its churches, remember they all have stories in relation to the city (such as the Basilica Santa Maria in Trastevere which legend says it was built on a natural well of olive oil!). To visit them, bring a specialized manual with you, or let one of our guides leading the way…